In this article, we’re looking at choosing the best mouse pad for carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. You can also do several things to reduce the symptoms, along with a proper mouse pad.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
If you’ve felt tingling and numbness in your fingers or hand while working long hours on a computer, you might be experiencing Carpal tunnel syndrome. The Carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of your hand. When the median nerve is compressed, this can cause symptoms including numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and arm.
In this article, we will look at several mouse pads that can help elevate the symptoms.
Note that a mouse pad, while helpful if you spend a lot of time at your desk every day, is not going to fix your wrist problems over the long term. If you are experiencing these kinds of symptoms, you should look for a more permanent solution. Consider a more holistic approach such as: working in an ergonomic position, practising stretching and yoga, and working with a chiropractor.
Do Wrist Braces Help With Carpal Tunnel?
Avoid using a wrist brace unless your doctor prescribes it. Resting on a hard surface, like a regular table or desk, will not ease the symptoms of carpal tunnel, and it will restrict blood flow through the median nerve due to its hardness. Instead, you need a mouse pad with wrist rests specially made for carpal tunnel syndrome and do wrist stretches regularly.
Are Mouse Pads With Wrist Rests Good for You?
You have to be careful to take breaks. The wrist rest padding is often quite stiff, but this hardness can potentially cause inflamed tendons and nerve entrapment if you don’t take breaks.
What to Look for When Choosing an Ergonomic Mouse Pad
When choosing a mouse pad, look at things like does it offer good wrist support? Is it made from durable material, and how large is the mousepad. A good mousepad should do the following:
- It provides your hand with a rest
- It supports your hands
- It provides a neutral position for the wrist when working. To ensure proper alignment, get a wrist rest that is approximately 1 – 1.2 inches deep (3 – 4cm)
- It offers your wrist some heat, which helps promote blood flow
- It has a non-slip back. You don’t want your mouse pad moving around when you’re in the middle of something. Even mousepads stick to the table so well that you have to peel them off to move them.
- It’s easy to clean. Even if you don’t eat or drink while at the computer, accidents happen. A good mouse pad should be resistant to spills and stains and washable.
Memory foam and gel are two main types of wrist supports on the market today. Each type has its benefits:
- Memory Foam
Memory foam is an excellent choice for gamers and heavy computer users as the foam surface is softer and more comfortable to use for extended periods. Memory foam is also suitable for those who have carpal tunnel as the softness helps to alleviate pressure. If you’re using your computer for hours on end, this is probably the best choice of material. With memory foam, your body’s heat softens the foam to conform to the shape of your wrist. However, some people might not like that it feels warm. - Gel Support
This material feels cool to the skin. Gel supports tend to be firmer but don’t necessarily provide much cushion. It’s best for those who don’t have existing wrist problems and use mice for short periods.
Large Pads and Hard Surfaces or High Thread Counts
A large surface can make it easier to move your mouse without picking it up. A hard surface like plastic offers the least friction and is suitable for pure speed. On the other hand, cloth pads provide more control, especially with a high thread count, which will help the mouse glide.
Righty or Lefty?
Yes, some ergonomic mouse pads work better for right or left-handed users. Some ergonomic mousepads are moulded to fit the curve of the user’s wrist as they use their computer. Just be conscious of this before buying.
How Do You Prevent Carpal Tunnel From Mice?
Here are six ways you can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome when using a mouse:
- Relax your grip and grip the mouse too tightly. Also, when typing, hit the keys softly – not only will it extend the life of your keyboard, it will help you.
- Take frequent breaks when working. Lowly and gently stretch and bend your hands and wrists from time to time. In addition to hand stretches, get up from your computer at a minimum once an hour.
- Keep an eye on your form. When working, avoid bending your wrists all the way up or down. Keep your keyboard at elbow height or slightly lower. Instead, use a relaxed middle position.
- Check your posture from time to time. Watch for shoulders rolled forward. This can cause shortening of your neck and shoulder muscles and compress the nerves in your neck. Prolonged bad posture can affect your wrists, fingers and hands.
- Keep your hands warm. You are more likely to develop hand pain and stiffness if you work in a cold, air-conditioned environment.
A few more tips:
- When buying a mouse, make sure you can change the cursor speed through a DPI button on the mouse or in your OS. you’ll find that different types of tasks are done better with varying cursor speeds.
- Instead of a wrist brace, invest in a mousepad and regularly do wrist stretches.
The Best Mouse Pad with Wrist Rest for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Table could not be displayed.Memory Foam Mouse Pads For Gamers
Table could not be displayed.In Conclusion
So there you have it! Hopefully, this guide has pointed you toward the perfect ergonomic mouse pad. Remember that, though you may buy the most expensive mouse pad in the world, the best way to keep your wrists healthy is by maintaining good posture. Keep these tips and tricks in mind, and we’re sure your wrists will thank you.
