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In modern times, as computer work has increased, more people are suffering from tendonitis caused by excessive mouse use.
When tendonitis develops, symptoms such as pain, numbness, and difficulty moving the wrist or fingers can appear, and if it gets worse, it can greatly affect daily life and work.
The main cause of tendonitis is operating the mouse with the wrist twisted, but to prevent this, there are ergonomic mice that can be held in a natural position without putting strain on the wrist.
This article explains in simple terms the main causes and symptoms of mouse tendonitis, tips for prevention and improvement, and the benefits of ergonomic mice.
- Excessive mouse use can cause tendonitis.
- Symptoms include pain, numbness, and difficulty moving.
- Long hours of work and unnatural posture increase the risk.
- It is important to review the work environment and how the mouse is held.
- Ergonomic mice can reduce strain.
- Wrist rests and palm rests can reduce strain on the wrist.
- Regular stretching and breaks are effective for prevention.
- Choose a mouse that fits the size of the hand.
This article explains the knowledge that should be kept in mind when choosing a mouse.
≫ Related article: How to Choose a Mouse [Functions / Compatibility / Tips]
Select PC parts and online stores to instantly generate an estimate, check compatibility, and calculate power requirements. You can save up to five different builds, making it easy to try out multiple configurations.
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Table of Contents
About Mouse Tendonitis
Let’s look at what mouse tendonitis is, its symptoms and causes, and how to prevent and deal with it.
What is Mouse Tendonitis?
Mouse tendonitis is a condition in which the synovial sheath (the membrane that covers the tendon) in the wrist or thumb becomes inflamed due to long hours of mouse operation, causing pain, swelling, and discomfort.
“Mouse tendonitis” is not an official medical term, but it is a convenient way to describe tendonitis that often occurs in people who use computers frequently.
Who is Likely to Get It?
People who do long hours of computer work, grip the mouse tightly, or repeat the same movements are more likely to develop mouse tendonitis.
In particular, office workers, designers, programmers, gamers, and others who use a mouse for long periods as part of their job or hobby need to be careful.
Some may think they are not gripping the mouse tightly, but it is common to unconsciously use more force when concentrating on work.
Also, continuing to use the wrist or fingers at unnatural angles, operating with the wrist lifted, or working without supporting the elbow or arm can increase the risk by maintaining a posture that puts strain on the body.
Symptoms of Mouse Tendonitis
First, let’s look at the typical symptoms often seen with mouse tendonitis.
- Pain or discomfort in the wrist or fingers
Long hours of mouse operation put strain on the tendons and tendon sheaths in the wrist and fingers, causing inflammation or damage, which leads to pain or discomfort.
In the early stages, the pain or dullness may be mild, but as it progresses, pain may occur every time the hand is moved, or finger movements may become awkward. - Numbness or swelling
When the tendons or surrounding nerves are compressed by inflammation, numbness or dullness may appear in the fingertips or palm.
Swelling may also occur as inflammation progresses, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of heat or restricted joint movement. - Difficulty moving or loss of strength
Inflammation can make tendon movement less smooth, making it difficult to move the fingers or hand as intended.
This can interfere with daily fine movements, such as holding objects firmly or pressing buttons. - When symptoms worsen
Symptoms tend to worsen with long hours of work or repeated postures and movements.
They are more likely to appear strongly after overusing the hands, such as in the evening or at night, and as the condition progresses, pain or dullness may be felt even at rest.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it is important to take action as soon as possible.
If left untreated, symptoms may become chronic and take longer to recover.
If the discomfort is still mild, it may be possible to deal with it using the prevention and countermeasures introduced later.
However, if there is already significant pain, first consult a medical institution, and then incorporate preventive measures to avoid recurrence in the future.
Main Causes of Mouse Tendonitis
Mouse tendonitis develops when the hands or wrists are unknowingly strained during daily computer work.
In particular, long hours of mouse operation or a work environment that does not fit the body can put a lot of stress on the tendons and tendon sheaths in the wrist and fingers.
The main causes of mouse tendonitis are as follows:
- Excessive strain on the wrist or fingers
Continuing to use the same muscles or tendons makes inflammation and pain more likely.
Unnatural posture or the weight and shape of the mouse can also add unnecessary force, increasing the risk of tendonitis. - Long hours of mouse operation
Using the mouse for long periods puts friction and strain on the tendons and tendon sheaths in the wrist and fingers through repeated actions such as clicking and dragging, making inflammation more likely.
In particular, gripping the mouse tightly or operating with the wrist lifted increases the strain. - Mouse shape or size does not fit
If the mouse does not fit the size of the hand, it cannot be held naturally, and unnatural force is applied to the wrist, fingers, and palm.
Especially, mice with distant or heavy buttons, or those that are too flat, can increase the strain on tendons and muscles. - Desk or chair height does not fit
If the work environment, such as the chair or desk, does not fit the body, it leads to unnatural posture, causing unnecessary tension in the wrist and forearm.
Ideally, the elbow should be bent at 90 degrees, the forearm should be parallel to the desk, and the feet should touch the floor.
These factors progress as a result of small daily habits.
Taking action as soon as discomfort is felt is very important to prevent the condition from becoming severe.
Prevention and Improvement Methods for Mouse Tendonitis
Mouse tendonitis is often caused by small postural or habitual issues in daily life, so it is important to take measures early.
The following methods can help prevent and improve symptoms:
- Using an ergonomic mouse
Ergonomic mice are designed based on human engineering and are effective in reducing strain on the wrist and fingers.
In particular, vertical mice or types that can be held with the whole palm allow operation in a natural posture without twisting the wrist, making them effective for preventing and improving tendonitis. - Using wrist rests or palm rests
Using a wrist rest or palm rest prevents the wrist from bending backward or being subjected to unnatural force, making it easier to maintain a natural posture.
Choosing a material with moderate height and support can reduce strain on the wrist even during long hours of mouse operation.
The placement is also important, so adjust it so that the wrist naturally rests on it. - Reviewing the work environment (adjusting desk and chair height)
Adjust the chair height so that the feet touch the floor and the knees are about 90 degrees, and set the desk height so that the elbows bend naturally and the forearms are horizontal.
Place the mouse and keyboard in front of the body, and avoid bending the wrist backward or sideways.
Use wrist rests or armrests as needed, and take regular breaks during work. - Regular stretching and breaks
Stretch the wrist and fingers every few hours to refresh the muscles and tendons.
Simple movements such as rotating the wrist, stretching the fingers, and rotating the shoulders are also effective.
When the eyes feel tired, look into the distance to relax, and be conscious of caring for the whole body for even better results. - Improving how the mouse is held and operated
Do not operate the mouse with only the wrist; use the whole arm, including the elbow and shoulder.
Hold the mouse lightly, and click or scroll with minimal force.
Try to keep the wrist and forearm as straight as possible, and consider using a wrist rest.
Because it is easy to unconsciously use too much force when concentrating on work, regularly take breaks and check if unnecessary force is being used.
By incorporating these preventive measures into daily life, the risk of developing mouse tendonitis can be greatly reduced.
What is a Tendonitis Prevention Mouse (Ergonomic Mouse)?
This section explains ergonomic mice that can help prevent mouse tendonitis.
A Mouse Based on Ergonomics
A tendonitis prevention mouse (ergonomic mouse) is a mouse designed to reduce strain on the wrist and fingers during computer work and lower the risk of tendonitis.
Tendonitis prevention mice are designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring shapes that allow the palm and fingers to be used in a natural position.
For example, there are various designs, such as vertical mice that can be used without twisting the wrist, and types that can be held with the whole palm.
With these designs, the strain on the muscles and tendons in the hand and fingers is distributed, making it less tiring even during long hours of work and helping to prevent tendonitis.
Can Keep the Wrist at a Natural Angle [Important]
(In the case of a regular mouse)
The wrist is naturally slightly slanted, but when using a typical mouse, the palm is held horizontally to the desk, twisting the wrist.
In other words, just holding the mouse puts strain on the wrist.
Continuing this unnatural posture for long periods makes it easy for extra strain to be placed on the muscles and tendons in the wrist and forearm.
(In the case of an ergonomic mouse)
On the other hand, Ergonomics Mouse is designed to keep the wrist at a natural angle, avoiding twisting.
This greatly reduces the strain on the muscles and tendons in the wrist and forearm, making it less tiring even during long hours of work.
Especially with vertical mice, the hand can be held at an angle similar to a handshake, allowing mouse operation in a more relaxed posture without twisting the wrist.
Points to Note When Choosing an Ergonomic Mouse
It is important to note that ergonomic mice are not always mice with angled shapes like those in the images.
When searching for “ergonomic mouse” on online shopping sites, sometimes regular-looking mice may appear, so check carefully before choosing.
The word “ergonomics” itself means human engineering, so it does not always mean a mouse with an angled shape.
In most cases, an ergonomic mouse refers to a mouse with an angled shape, but there are also mice that incorporate ergonomics in other ways.
For example, some mice are designed to fit the shape of the hand, which is also based on ergonomics.
As explained earlier, there are various ways to reduce mouse tendonitis, but the most important is to keep the wrist at a natural angle, so look for an “ergonomic mouse” with an angled shape.
Also, regardless of whether it is an ergonomic mouse or not, it is important to choose a mouse that fits the size of the hand.
Benefits of Ergonomic Mice
This section explains the benefits of ergonomic mice.
Reduces Strain on the Wrist and Arm
The biggest benefit of using an ergonomic mouse is that it greatly reduces strain on the wrist and arm.
With a regular mouse, the palm faces downward, causing the forearm to twist inward (pronation).
This posture puts unnecessary force on the muscles and tendons in the wrist and forearm, which can cause tendonitis, wrist pain, and even increase strain on the shoulder and elbow.
In contrast, ergonomic mice are designed so that the wrist and arm are at a natural angle (vertical, like a handshake), making it less likely for muscles and tendons to be strained.
In addition, the shape of the mouse and the placement of the buttons are designed to match the movement of the hand, making it possible to operate without using extra force.
Less Fatigue Even with Long Hours of Use
With a regular mouse, the muscles in the wrist, fingers, and forearm are easily strained, and using it for long periods can cause tendonitis, wrist pain, and stiff shoulders.
With an ergonomic mouse, the muscles in the wrist and arm do not tense unnecessarily, and it can be operated without using extra force, so even after long hours of work, fatigue does not build up easily.
Natural Grip
Ergonomic mice are shaped so that the palm is placed at an angle, and the buttons are positioned so that the fingers can reach them naturally, allowing the mouse to be operated with a natural grip.
Many products also have a thick or rounded body, allowing the whole hand to wrap around the mouse, making it less likely to use extra force even for fine operations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mouse Tendonitis
This section answers frequently asked questions about mouse tendonitis and ergonomic mice.
What Should Be Noted About How to Hold and Operate the Mouse?
Hold the mouse lightly with the palm, and avoid putting too much force on the fingertips.
Even if it feels like “I’m not using much force…”, it is common to unconsciously use more force when concentrating on work.
Being able to concentrate is great, but it may be a good idea to check if unnecessary force is being used when taking a break.
Also, it is important to use the whole arm to operate the mouse, not just the wrist.
To be honest, even I do not always do this, but from the perspective of tendonitis, it is best to keep the wrist and arm as straight as possible.
If Tendonitis Develops, Is It Okay to Continue Working or Using the Computer?
If the symptoms are mild, it may be possible to continue by referring to the prevention and improvement methods for mouse tendonitis summarized earlier, changing the mouse or work environment, and taking regular breaks or adjusting posture.
However, if there is strong pain or swelling, it is best not to overdo it and to limit work as much as possible.
Depending on the condition, consult an orthopedic specialist and receive appropriate treatment.
After that, incorporate prevention and improvement methods.
What Can Be Done in Daily Life to Prevent Tendonitis from Worsening?
For those who use a mouse for long hours at work, it may be difficult, but try to avoid actions that put strain on the hands and wrists, and take frequent breaks and stretch.
If there is pain, cooling and rest are basic, and using a support is also effective.
Also, reviewing the work environment and reducing strain on the wrist in daily habits is important.
Summary: Consider an Ergonomic Mouse!
This article explained the main symptoms and causes of tendonitis caused by mouse operation, improvement points, and one of the countermeasures—ergonomic mice.
Here is a summary of the key points:
- Excessive mouse use can cause tendonitis.
- Symptoms include pain, numbness, and difficulty moving.
- Long hours of work and unnatural posture increase the risk.
- It is important to review the work environment and how the mouse is held.
- Ergonomic mice can reduce strain.
- Wrist rests and palm rests can reduce strain on the wrist.
- Regular stretching and breaks are effective for prevention.
- Choose a mouse that fits the size of the hand.
Tendonitis caused by long hours of mouse use is one of the modern ailments that can happen to anyone.
Symptoms such as pain and numbness can reduce work efficiency and interfere with daily life, so early action is important.
Among the countermeasures, ergonomic mice are recommended. Their design based on ergonomics greatly reduces strain on the wrist and arm, helping to prevent and improve tendonitis.
In addition, reviewing the work environment, maintaining correct posture, and making a habit of taking frequent breaks and stretching can reduce strain and allow healthy computer work.
As a first step to creating a comfortable and pain-free work environment, consider introducing an ergonomic mouse.
This article explains the knowledge that should be kept in mind when choosing a mouse.
≫ Related article: How to Choose a Mouse [Functions / Compatibility / Tips]
Select PC parts and online stores to instantly generate an estimate, check compatibility, and calculate power requirements. You can save up to five different builds, making it easy to try out multiple configurations.
≫ Tool：PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool
