Mice

Mice While a mouse is a very useful tool for computer users, using one improperly can lead to injury, including Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and general hand, arm, and wrist injuries. To decrease the chance of injuring yourself while using your mouse, place it close to your computer and use your entire arm to use it. Also, you should consider using an alternative mouse. Here are a few examples:

Tracker ball or trackball – While a tracker ball can take some getting used to, it does eliminate movement associated with injuries. To use a tracker ball, a person leaves his or her arm, wrist, and hand in the same position, using only the thumb to roll a ball to move the pointer/cursor across the screen. An added benefit is that no mouse pad, extra desk space, or flat surface is needed for a tracker ball. Look for one that your hand molds to easily. It can be difficult to find models for left-handed people. Also, people may find that fine cursor movements are difficult to accomplish.
Vertical mouse – This sort of mouse keeps your hand in a handshake position and eliminates twisting of the arm. A traditional mouse keeps your hand bent slightly upwards, wrist extended, and forearm twisted: this is not a relaxed position; it results a much too heavy muscle load. A vertical mouse, on the other hand, allows you to keep a much more relaxed position.
“Pilot stick” mouse – This also keeps your hand in a handshake position – a vertical hand position is more natural. Many “pilot stick” designs essentially force the user to use his or her entire arm, rather than just the wrist. Using the whole arm helps eliminate the problems associated with over-using both the finger and wrist muscles. However, if you are into graphic design (or do other detailed work), you may find that a traditional mouse has better fine cursor movements.
Contour mouse – Whereas many mice come in just two sizes (at most), the Contour mouse comes in multiple sizes, so it is possible to find one that fits your hand well. The Contour mouse has buttons designed to keep the hand open with fingers extended, and they reduce the load on the fingertips. It also has a thumb support, allowing the user to move the mouse without as much Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome-inducing pinch force. The Contour mouse has a wrist support that keeps the wrist off the desk top, thereby reducing pressure; it also keeps the wrist in a more neutral position. The Contour mouse also allows the hand to rock freely, keeping it in a slightly tilted and neutral position.
Scroll button – Look for a mouse with a scroll button. Using the scroll button will reduce some of the repetitive motions you must make while using your computer.

These are only a few examples of mice designed with ergonomics in mind. All in all, the best mouse for you depends on… you! Try out a few different mice at the store before you settle on one (some of these innovative designs can be expensive, so make sure that you pick the right one from the onset). Find a mouse that is comfortable and easy to control – you want a mouse that does not require odd wrist and arm motions. You want to avoid mice that cause deviated wrist postures. Also, consider that repetitive wrist and arm motions can lead to problems.