THE
MOUSE THAT
ROARED
Injuries from using a computer mouse are getting a lot of attention. This is because we use the mouse for most software and may put the mouse in a poor location.
Pain in the fingers and hand. Sometimes you can lose individual finger control.
Pain
In the pinkie side of the
hand. The pain
may occur alone the outside of the forearm to the inside of the elbow.
Pain
in the palm and wrist. This
may be the start of Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome.
Pam
around the wrist.
Sometimes
it feels like a “Bracelet of Pain.”
Pain
in the outside of the elbow and forearm muscles. This
is sometimes called Tennis Elbow”.
Pain
at the top of the shoulder, close to the neck.
The pain
may occur between the shoulder blades.
Reaching
up and out for the mouse often causes the pain. This reach uses the strong
muscles of the back, shoulders, and arms to hold your arm out.
Eventually these muscles can get tired and sore.
Meanwhile,
your smaller and weaker forearm and had muscles move the mouse. These smaller
muscles already work a lot when typing. When we add mousing, they can get very
sore.
Use
a keyboard tray that is long enough (26-30 inches) to hold a mouse and keyboard.
If there is not enough room to use a large keyboard
tray, you can place the keyboard and mouse on the desktop and raise your chair.
Keep
your mouse clean.
A clean mouse reduces the length of time required to grasp and lift the mouse.
Use
a mouse that fits your hand size. This helps to keep your hand and fingers relaxed.
Mice come in many shapes and sizes,
and are available in left and right-handed models.
Rest
your hand when you aren’t using the mouse.
This gives your muscles a break.
Keep
you hand and wrist straight when using the mouse.
Move your mouse with your forearm and shoulder muscles. This gives your smaller
hand muscles a break. Do not rest your wrist on the table or tray and operate
the mouse like a windshield wiper.
Learn alternative keyboard commands. Keying gives your hand a break.
See the following diagrams for more tips on healthy computer practices.
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Reaching forward and out to use the mouse can lead to pain. To prevent pain, position the mouse and keyboard the same distance away from you.
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Good hand position: The best way
to use a mouse is with a straight hand and wrist
|
Bad hand position: If you use a
mouse with a bent wrist or hand, your hand muscles can get sore very quickly.
Source:
Health on
the Job ¾
WCB, 333
Broadway Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4W3