Do you have issues with your wrist while gaming or working on the computer? If so, then this blog post will be helpful in understanding what a mouse pad wrist rest is and how it can help.
The average person spends 8 hours per day using their hands to work at a computer, which leads to serious strain on the wrists.
A mouse pad wrist rest helps to alleviate some of that pressure by providing an area for your hand other than the keyboard or desk surface. Do you need one?
This article has all of the information you’ll need!
Table of Contents
Are mouse pad wrist rests useful?
A wrist rest is generally a small pad you can put underneath your wrist to reduce strain on the wrist when clicking, typing or using the mouse. A wrist rest is easiest to use in conjunction with an ergonomic style keyboard.
Using wrist rests while working at a computer have been shown to reduce the pressure on the wrist by 25% and improve overall comfort by 33%. This reduction of discomfort helps prevent further pain and injuries caused by extended periods of time at a desk. However, not everyone needs or wants to use a wrist rest while they work.
People who have problems with carpal tunnel syndrome may want to consider using wrist wrist rests. If you are having wrist pain while using the computer, it’s best to visit a doctor before trying wrist wrist rests. This will ensure your wrist is not being injured by other problems.
It can improve productivity
Using wrist wrist rest wrist pads does not automatically increase your productivity. It will, however, reduce pain and discomfort which can lead to an improved work environment.
Some people may even find that they are more productive when using wrist wrist rests because they aren’t dealing with the same amount of wrist pain every day!
Is the wrist rest essential for good ergonomics?
A wrist wrist rest isn’t essential to good wrist ergonomics, but it can help by providing wrist relief for certain types of work.
Using wrist rests is only one part of good wrist ergonomics. You should also consider changing your chair height and position, or using an armless chair so you aren’t leaning on the desk too much.
Wrist rests alone won’t fix all wrist problems, but it can definitely alleviate some pain and discomfort when using a computer for long periods of time.
How using mouse can cause pain?
Mouse wrist pain is caused by the wrist being in an awkward position for too long. Even if you are using wrist wrist rests, you can still experience discomfort if your wrist is held at an angle or twisted while clicking on the mouse.
The wrist is the most flexible part of your body which makes it very easy to move in almost any direction. This also means that when you use the wrist in one position for long periods of time it can cause muscles and tendons to become fatigued or strained.
Mouse wrist pain is not caused by the wrist being twisted, but from tissues within wrist becoming uncomfortable and putting pressure on other areas such as: tendons, nerves and blood vessels.
The main point where mouse wrist pain occurs is at the carpal tunnel – a narrow space between wrist bones through which tendons, nerves and blood vessels travel towards your hand.
Risk of using wrist rest
Some people may not find wrist rests helpful. These devices can put pressure on the nerves associated with carpal tunnel syndrome and make things worse for those who already have such issues, as well as forcing you to keep your wrists bent in an awkward position that could end up causing problems over time.
Some people may experience more harm than good from using wrist rests. It is important to remain comfortable and maintain a neutral position at all times while working on the computer for an extended period of time, as even small movements can cause undesired health outcomes such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
When it comes to using a wrist rest, everyone is different. Some people have carpal tunnel syndrome and may benefit from having their wrists supported throughout the day while others might not be as affected by this particular condition.
You should always try out what works best for you before making any permanent changes that could affect your well-being in the long run since leaning your hands on an uncomfortable surface can lead to even more damage if done consistently over time.
How much are wrist rests?
Wrist rests can cost anywhere from $5 for a basic style of wrist rest to over $50 depending on the materials used and personal preference.
More expensive wrist rests often have padding that provides more support and comfort, but may also be larger in size if designed for people with large hands or bigger wrists.
You can also purchase wrist rests that have gel materials that help reduce pressure on the skin and bones around the wrist area.
Before buying a wrist rest
Before buying a wrist rest, here are the things you should know:
Is your keyboard mouse at elbow height?
If your wrist rest wrist is at the same height as your keyboard wrist, you shouldn’t need to use wrist rests.
If you wrist rest wrist is lower than your keyboard wrist, this could be causing wrist strain on your wrist.
Your wrist should be at around the same height as your elbow while using a mouse or keyboard. This way, you can have your arms bent in a comfortable position while typing or clicking away.
Is your mouse right for your hand size?
The mouse you use should be the size that feels comfortable. If it’s too big, then you will have to hold your hand up in an uncomfortable position. The best way is for your forearm to sit flat on a desk so there isn’t much pressure required from holding onto the mouse at all times.
Your fingers need to rest naturally easily over each button and curve of where they are placed so nothing gets strained or difficult when using them day after day.
Keep keyboard and mouse close
People have different preferences for wrist rests, but it is recommended to use one only at the keyboard. The mouse should be moved long distances using your shoulder muscles while sliding your forearm along the surface instead of having a resting place on top of something else.
Wrist rest can also increase forward reach that requires more energy from the shoulders and cause poor posture in general which may lead to injury over time if you are not careful enough with how much strain you put yourself through when working with technology devices all day every day!
Make sure mouse has enough space to move
To use a standard mouse pad, the cursor should be able to move from one side of at least once screen without being lifted and moved back. If your keyboard tray or desk doesn’t allow enough space for a standard mouse pad, consider moving it so there is more room available. You can also experiment with the “speed” of the mouse in Control Panel settings if you have two screens that need movement on them as well.
Don’t wear a watch
When your watch band is strapped around you, it will give pressure against the wrist and prevent sliding of forearm on a surface.
Conclusion
If you’re a computer user, it can be tempting to invest in wrist rest for your mouse. However, before you do so, make sure that you have reviewed the ergonomics of your mousing posture and considered whether or not wrist rest is really necessary.