Computer Health - The Mouse Trap
Having problems with your mouse?
More and more people are using computer equipment, and inevitably we are seeing people in College with health problems, notably affecting the hands and arms.
Intensive use of a mouse, trackball, or similar pointing device may give rise to aches and pains in the fingers, hands, wrists, arms or shoulders. This can also happen with the keyboard, but mouse work concentrates activity on one hand and arm (and one or two fingers), and this may make problems more likely. Adopting both a good posture and a good mouse technique can actively reduce risks.
The following tips should help ensure that you can work comfortably and safely with your mouse.
Tip 1: Learn and use keyboard shortcuts - If you find the use of the mouse a problem, virtually all programs and operating systems provide some keyboard shortcuts that will reduce the need for using your mouse.
Tip 2: Keep the mouse close to you - People often have their mouse buried under piles of paper or placed on some available space on their desk that is hard to access. By placing the mouse close to your body there is much less strain on the arm and shoulder. Your arm should be by your side with your elbow at about 90 degrees with the wrist straight and parallel to the desk. Don’t bend your wrist upward.
Tip 3: Use a suitable mouse mat - Ensure that the mouse mat has a surface covering that allows free and easy movement. There are also a number of mouse rests on the market, but these are not essential and can often cause problems (there is a temptation to lean too hard on the rest and pivot the hand from the wrist). If you use a rest, it should gently support the wrist and you should use the whole arm to guide the mouse.
Tip 4: Clean it - The mouse ball collects dust and its roll ability can be improved with regular cleaning. Just turn the mouse upside down and release the ball from its slot to remove the dust.
Tip 5: Adjust the mouse buttons via the software - Use your mouse control panel to change the tracking speed, adjust the time interval for double clicking, use a click function to lock the drag control and swap over the buttons for right and left hands.
Tip 6: Take lots of breaks - Stretch the arms, shoulders, upper back and neck regularly. It can also help to take your hand off the mouse during short pauses and let your mouse arm hang straight down from your shoulder. Most jobs provide opportunities to take a break from using computers. Make use of them to vary your activities and give yourself a break.
If you do experience difficulties, the following tips may help you:
Tip 1: Change your work layout - If you use the keyboard and mouse together and use the mouse with your right hand, the position of the number pad may cause you to hold your arm away from your body, so that your whole arm is often straight. This can cause a strain in the arm and hand. There are a number of ways to address this. One is to try using the mouse in your left hand. Another is to try a keyboard without a number pad, which means you can use the mouse in your right hand but with the right arm closer to the body.
Tip 2: Switch the mouse between right and left hands - If you are an intensive user of the mouse, changing from right to left-handed use (and vice-versa) from time to time, spreads the load and gives each arm a break.
Tip 3: Try out a different mouse - A large number are available, including specific ones for right- or left-handers, and different sizes to match different hand sizes. As well as the traditional mouse, you will find tracker balls, pen devices, graphics tablets and touch pads. Different types suit different people, different hand sizes and different tasks. Consider the shape and size of the various pointing devices available, how comfortably it fits into your hand, ease of operation, and any special features that might make your job easier and more comfortable.
Tip 4: Help on hand - When you first experience symptoms of health problems associated with computer work you should take appropriate steps to adjust work patterns or workstation ergonomics. If problems persist advice is available from your local DSE assessor or the Occupational Health Service.
