The Best Mouse to Reduce Carpal Tunnel

Posted on 11/21/2019

Carpal tunnel is a very real and debilitating problem for the people who experience it. It occurs when the narrow passageway in the wrist, called the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed. The carpal tunnel contains the median nerve, which is the main nerve serving the forearm, wrist, and hand. When it becomes compressed, it places pressure onto the nerve causing a range of symptoms. These include:
 

-         Aching and pain in the arm, wrist, hand or fingers

-         Numbness in the arm, hands, and fingers

-         Unusual sensations such as tingling or pins and needles

-         A weak thumb

-         Difficulty gripping objects
 

Although carpal tunnel can affect anyone, it is particularly prevalent in people who spend a lot of time using computers due to the position that they place their hands and wrists in when using a keyboard and mouse. Fortunately, the design of computer equipment has evolved to help reduce incidences of carpal tunnel syndrome, including the development of a vertical mouse.

 

What is a vertical mouse?

A vertical mouse is an ergonomically-shaped mouse that is designed to enable people to adopt a more natural position when using it. The wheel is placed on the side of the mouse rather than the top, which means that users do not have to twist their wrist so that it is flat to use it. Instead, they can maintain a ‘handshake’ position that does not put the wrist under any strain.

Vertical mice are an excellent option for people who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. Some studies have shown that they can even potentially prevent carpal tunnel and other similar conditions from developing in the future.

So, how do you know which mouse is the best to reduce carpal tunnel? Here is our pick of a few of the best.

 

Logitech MX Vertical

Seamlessly blending performance, comfort, and style, the Logitech MX Vertical is considered by many to be one of the best on the market. The area that your hand grips during use are soft, yet durable, with a thumb rest on the side and the top-notch optical sensor means that the mouse movement is carried out with incredible accuracy.

 

AUTLEY Wireless Vertical

If you have large hands, you will need a mouse that can comfortably accommodate them. The AUTLEY wireless vertical mouse is much bulkier than standard vertical mice, making it perfect for people with big, strong hands. It offers great performance, although unlike some other varieties, it doesn’t have any customizable buttons.

 

Jelly Comb Wireless Vertical

If you have particularly small hands, you will also need to consider a specialist mouse to ensure that you can easily and comfortably use it without overstretching your hands and fingers. The Jelly Comb wireless vertical mouse is ideal. In terms of design, it isn’t dissimilar to the Logitech MX, but everything is a little more compact. Again, performance is very good, but it is important to note that it requires batteries that will need to be replaced every few months.

 

Anker Wired Vertical

If you are on a budget, but you still want relief from your carpal tunnel syndrome, you may want to consider the Anker wired vertical mouse. It’s got no frills – it’s wired, and it doesn’t have any customizable buttons – but, it’s a solid piece of equipment that has a supportive design and offers good overall performance. Prices for this mouse start as low as $15.

 

Microsoft Sculpt

It may look like something from out of the future, but the Microsoft Sculpt is a very effective mouse that embraces minimalism, with no compromise on functionality. This rounded mouse is designed to offer solid palm support, it has a thumb rest to cushion your thumb and a highly accurate tracking wheel. Whilst not vertical, it is designed to encourage people to lift their forearm off of the desk to use it. This means that the muscles of the arm, rather than the wrist tendons, are worked when using it.

If you are concerned about carpal tunnel and would like more information, or if you think you would benefit from an appointment with our expert team, please call our offices in Oakland, CA today.