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The Mouse

The ability to operate your computer by pointing and clicking with a computer mouse makes using computers much easier. However, the constant use of a few muscles and tendons in your hand and forearm to press the mouse buttons introduces additional risks for developing a repetitive strain injury. When typing on a keyboard, the work is distributed across ten fingers. When clicking with a mouse, the work is handled by one finger. In addition, moving the mouse around your computer monitor to point to specific words or icons requires many small, accurate wrist movements, resulting in even more repetitive motion for the tendons and muscles in your hand and arm.

To reduce the risk of developing mouse-related repetitive strain injuries:

  • Place the mouse at the same level as your keyboard and within easy reach.
  • Hold the mouse loosely with all your fingers, as loosely as you would a pet hamster. The tighter you hold the mouse, the more pressure and tension you put on your thumb and other fingers.
  • Use your whole arm and shoulder to move the mouse, not just your wrist. You may have to practice this. To make it easier, do not rest your arm on the desk while moving the mouse.
  • Try to keep your wrist in a straight line with your forearm when holding or moving the mouse.
  • Click the mouse button with a light touch, and, if possible, try to alternate clicks with different fingers.
  • Clean the mouse ball and rollers to prevent the mouse from sticking or skipping as you move it across your desk.

See the Keyboard and Monitor sections for related information.