Top 3 mice for pain in fingers, hand, wrist, forearm and shoulder
Table of Contents
Shoulder pain caused by using a mouse
Hand pain caused by using a mouse
Wrist pain caused by using a mouse
Get the basics right first
Let Ergowerken advise you on preventing pain caused by mouse use
Our best mice for your complaints
Did you know that as many as 42% of people experience discomfort from mouse use at some point? The most common physical complaints are in the wrist, forearm, hand and shoulder. Are they all entirely caused by computer work? Not at all. Strain can also be caused (in part) by gardening, sport or playing with the children. Nevertheless, in many cases there are plenty of adjustments you can make in the workplace to reduce or overcome these aches and pains.
Shoulder pain caused by using a mouse
A sore shoulder caused by using a mouse can have a number of causes. It may be partly due to your posture, but also to the type of mouse you use or its settings. You can find the full list below:
- Your mouse is too far away from you – beyond shoulder width
- You have to make too large a movement to move the cursor
- You hunch your shoulder whilst using the mouse
- You leave your hand on the mouse when you’re not using it
- You regularly lift the mouse to move it closer
Hand pain caused by using the mouse
Your hand has a tough time with all that computer work. It’s busy all day squeezing, clicking and scrolling. And just when it thinks it’s getting a moment’s rest, it’s back on the keyboard to do its bit there too. What can cause hand pain from using a mouse?
- You have a mouse that’s too small and you’re gripping it too tightly
- You have a mouse that’s too big, which you can’t grip properly
- You’re gripping your mouse too tightly
- You’re using too much force when clicking
- You let your fingers hover above the buttons
- You have to lift your index and middle fingers to scroll
Wrist pain caused by using a mouse
Have you ever looked at your wrist whilst using the mouse? Give it a go. Do you still find it strange that this is where most people develop problems? Those things perform acrobatic stunts all day long that would make The Crocksons shudder. We’ve listed the most common causes:
- Your forearm is fixed and all movement comes from your wrist
- You make lots of small movements
- You’ve adopted a twisted wrist position
- You use a flat mouse (pronation)
- Your hand is pulled back slightly when holding the mouse (dorsiflexion)
- You are gripping the mouse too tightly, putting strain on your arm
Get your basics sorted first
There are plenty of things you can do yourself to prevent and alleviate your symptoms. A few obvious factors that help reduce symptoms include a fit body, sufficient rest, no stress, a well-adjusted workspace and correct posture. I’d like to highlight the last two and pick out a few key points you can start working on right away.
Sit and stand correctly
We’ve written plenty about good sitting posture already. A few years ago, I wrote about sitting and standing comfortably whilst working at a computer screen. Here, you can find your ideal sitting and standing posture in a few simple steps to make getting through a long day at your desk more comfortable. Even if you think you’re sitting correctly now, it can’t hurt to go through it again.
Do you want to tackle specific aches and pains? We’ve developed a handy and clear page on pain caused by office work for just that. We’ve clearly set out tips and some extra explanations for your shoulders, wrists and hands, amongst other things.
Make the most of your tools
The type of mouse you use isn’t enough on its own to ensure comfortable mouse use. It’s all about HOW you use it. And that’s precisely why we’ve put together 10 tips (including a downloadable cheat sheet) that we’re convinced work. In fact, when you buy an ergonomic mouse from us, you always get these 10 tips as standard.
Let Ergowerken advise you on preventing pain caused by mouse use
We’ve already done most of that for you, and after around 10 years, we can offer the right advice based on our experience. Every day, we speak to people who experience pain as a result of working extensively with a mouse. You can contact us in all sorts of ways, often quicker than you think.
- Chat
- By phone - 076 2600 207
- Via WhatsApp - 076 2600 207
- At our showroom – just let us know you’re coming
Our best mice for your complaints
Is your mouse due for replacement and/or an upgrade to tackle the pain in your hand, wrist or shoulder? Below you’ll find our top 3 mice that we’ve selected. This top 3 has been compiled based on our own experience, customer feedback and product reviews.
Tip: use our selection guide!
The top 3 mice for finger and hand pain
Handshoemouse Original
Traditionally our number 1 mouse for a painful hand. The Handshoemouse has the following features that will make your hand happy.
- The mouse has a large surface area and therefore supports the entire hand, from thumb to little finger
- Thanks to the mouse’s special design, it is virtually impossible to grip the Handshoemouse too tightly. Your hand remains relaxed whilst using the mouse
- The mouse comes in various sizes, making it suitable for almost everyone. You’ll never have the problem of the mouse being too big or too small for you
Is there a downside to the mouse? Yes. Due to its size, it is slightly less precise to operate and therefore less suitable for precision work such as photo and video editing.
Contour Unimouse
Unique in its kind. The Unimouse is a continuously adjustable tilting mouse that can be set between 35 and 70 degrees. Add an adjustable thumb rest to that and you have a truly versatile mouse
- The flattest position at 35 degrees offers plenty of support for the hand
- The adjustable thumb rest can be raised, allowing the thumb to rest in the recess
- The long buttons on the mouse click very easily and require less force
Does the Unimouse have any downsides? Well, it can feel a bit large for small hands measuring under 16 cm
Handshoemouse Shift - Top pick
The Handshoemouse Shift is a new model featuring an important new feature. The mouse can now be operated by both left- and right-handed users. We think it’s brilliant for these reasons:
- It supports the entire hand, from thumb to little finger. The Shift is also available in multiple sizes, making it suitable for everyone
- You can switch between left and right. This allows the strain of using the mouse to be distributed between both hands. Is one of your hands a bit weaker? Then use that one for simple tasks
- You can’t grip the Shift too tightly either. It ensures you can work all day with a relaxed hand. The weight of your hand provides grip on the mouse
Like the Original, the Shift has reduced precision compared to small mice. CAD designers, always keep your small mouse nearby.
The top 3 mice for wrist and forearm pain
Evoluent D – Top choice
Following models 1, 2, 3, 4 and C, the Evoluent D is a very worthy successor that you simply cannot ignore. In fact, we believe it is the best mouse for wrist pain. Why?
- It is the most vertical model and therefore comfortable for the natural position of the forearm. Fortunately, the design and thumb groove minimise the need to grip it tightly to operate it
- The design also helps prevent wrist movements. You can still achieve precision, but you’ll soon notice that it encourages your arm to move along with it
- It remains surprisingly precise in use. The addition of an easily adjustable DPI and programmable buttons definitely boosts your productivity
What’s not so great about the Evoluent D? It’s not suitable for left-handers!
Contour Unimouse
Whilst the Unimouse is a great option for the hand at 35 degrees, at 70 degrees it suddenly becomes a serious contender for the wrist. With the thumb rest positioned across, it offers a comfortable grip
- Tilted vertically at 70 degrees, the Unimouse suddenly becomes a friend to the wrist. You can, by the way, experiment and find the best vertical angle for you. 65, 67, 68, 9433434 degrees – there’s plenty to choose from
- In the vertical position, you can angle the adjustable thumb rest slightly more sideways, allowing your hand to grip the mouse firmly. As you get more used to the mouse, you can raise the thumb rest a little, so you don’t have to squeeze the mouse as tightly
- Fortunately, wrist movements are still possible, but you can feel that the Unimouse wants your whole arm to do a bit more of the work. That’s a nice change and puts less strain on the wrist and forearm
Yes, that size. If we had to mention a downside, it would be that the mouse feels a bit large if you have smaller hands (around 16 cm).
Delux Seeker
The Seeker from Delux hasn’t been on the market for very long, but what a gem. Both in terms of use and design, you’ll want this on your desk. The mouse has a solid build, a nice vertical design and extra buttons that are easy to find.
- The mouse is nicely vertical and positions the arm in a natural posture. It also offers plenty of grip to hold it comfortably
- The included wrist rest is what Delux is known for. And this one is brilliant! Place it on the mouse and your wrist is truly spared. Want a bit more precision? Then take it off
- The vertical scroll wheel near the thumb is brilliant! In programmes like Excel, it means you need to make fewer mouse movements. It’s lovely
The Seeker should be available to everyone, including left-handed users. Let’s hope Delux comes back to this
The top 3 mice for shoulder pain
Penguin mouse
The Penguin mouse is perhaps the most popular mouse for shoulder complaints. It’s comfortable to use, you get used to it quickly, and it’s available for every hand (large, small, left and right).
- The ease of switching between left and right makes this Penguin mouse ideal for sharing the workload. Its vertical design already provides some relief for the arm, but you can also give it a rest. Tag!
- It comes in various sizes. Please note: the mouse is relatively large, so if you’re on the borderline between two sizes, it’s wise to go for the smaller one
- The Penguin mouse takes no time to get used to. Just plug it in, set it down and get going!
What’s that? A downside? Well, yes, there is one. The mouse has a platform that virtually eliminates wrist movement. Great for your wrist, but not so great for the mouse’s precision. Bear that in mind if you’re working in Photoshop, for example.
Contour Rollermouse Red - Top pick
The Red, the Rollermouse Red. There’s so much to say about it. Let me be clear: if you’re looking for the perfect mouse for shoulder problems, you need to click the orange button below.
- The Red centres your working posture and allows you to perform the most important actions (mousing + typing) within shoulder width. Because you no longer have to reach, there is far less strain on the shoulder
- You have a lightning-fast transition from mouse to keyboard. It’s just a few centimetres forward and the same distance back to switch between mouse and keyboard. BEEP BEEP!
- Lots of extra (programmable) buttons boost your productivity. The Contour software lets you set functions specifically for your work. That’s great.
What don’t we like about the Rollermouse? The adjustment period for the purchase price. You’ll need to get used to that. But once you finally have it in front of you, you might just find yourself forgetting all about it.
Kensington Expert Mouse wireless trackball
The Expert Mouse from Kensington is a trackball that, thankfully, you don’t have to operate with that sensitive and clumsy thumb. Just use your whole hand. Left or right, it doesn’t matter
- The Expert Mouse stays put and doesn’t need to be moved. It’s easier to maintain a balanced working posture with this mouse (combined with a compact keyboard, it’s absolutely perfect). Of course, you can place it wherever you like – that freedom is definitely there
- And by placing it wherever you want, we naturally also mean the option of left or right. Because that’s possible with the Expert Mouse. Purely left or purely right is fine, but alternating is the best option.
- With KensingtonWorks, Kensington has developed an intuitive driver that allows you to programme all the buttons
The Expert Mouse is a rather large device, so you probably won’t be able to carry it in your laptop bag. Fortunately, it has a much smaller sibling.