If your job requires that you spend a lot of time sitting at the computer, and of course, using a keyboard and mouse, then you probably already know of the strain and stress that this can put on both the wrist and the hands day in and day out. As technology continues to advance making our lives easier and more efficient, more and more of us are spending large amounts of time at the computer, but unfortunately as a result, we are suffering from the all too common condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS as well as other repetitive stress injuries.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be thought of as a comparatively recent health issue; yet in reality it has been around a long time, however it has just lately earned more attention since computers have largely taken a role in our daily routines.

To understand the great difference an ergonomically designed mouse pad can make when dealing with the pain and discomfort of carpal tunnel syndrome, we must first learn about this delicate area of the wrist that the condition was named after.

The carpal tunnel is actually a void created by ligaments, tendons and bone that are located along the bottom of the wrist. Within that void, a major nerve relays signals that it has received from the brain to the hands and fingers. This nerve is called the median nerve.

When excess pressure is put on this area, or it becomes irritated due to overuse or the use of repetitive straining motions, fluid builds up causing swelling and inflammation, as well as pain.

Selecting a Mouse Pad That’s Ergonomically Designed

Ergonomically designed mouse pads have a pair of extremely important functions. They provide cushioning for both the wrist and its carpal tunnel, and they maintain the proper positions for your wrist and hand. Anytime you are standing, those parts assume a natural inward facing position. You want to ensure that they are in an equally natural and unharmful position as you sit too.

In order to minimize the pressure on the carpal tunnel as well as its surrounding tendons and ligaments, some mouse pads have been designed ergonomically and these have an attached wrist rest which is filled with some type of soft material, usually a gel.

Keeping one’s wrist on a hard surface places too much pressure on the wrist, causing the median nerve to get compressed, in turn causing symptoms such as numbness and tingling to occur in the fingers, along with a loss of feeling, weakened grip, and swelling and pain.

Even with mouse pads that contain a soft gel, you still ought to be in the habit of resting the edge of your palms on the wrist rest instead of putting full force on the center of the wrist proper.

Furthermore, when utilizing your ergonomic mouse pad, you have to be certain that the remainder of your work area is ergonomically accurate too, or you won’t get the full benefit of the mouse pad’s unique design.

The chair you use needs to be set at the appropriate height in order for your arms to simply lay relaxed on the desktop, wrist upon the ergonomically designed mouse pad, naturally. In addition, attempt to maintain your two feet flattened to the floor as you work with your back erect.

Be sure to pause often. During these rest periods, stretch and flex your wrists, your hands, and each finger individually.

For additional Ergonomic Tips and Productivity helps, visit Ergonomic Resources!

- Frank Barnett

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