Mouse recommendations for dodgy wrists?

PixelMist
PixelMist Online Community Member Posts: 39 Connected
in Housing and independent living

Hi everyone!!

I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for an alternative to my standard mouse? I’ve got fibro and using conventional computer mice for work is becoming awful.

My wrist is always throbbing and it’s getting so hard to click precisely when I’m doing anything. Does anyone have a recommendation for a comfy mouse that doesn't hurt to use for a few hours?

I’ve seen those vertical ones but they look weird! Are they actually any good?

Comments

  • onmylonesome
    onmylonesome Online Community Member Posts: 409 Empowering

    I think any type of mouse that you use for a few hours will make your wrist ache.

  • Holly_Scope
    Holly_Scope Posts: 4,487 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @PixelMist and welcome to the community 😊 I haven't experience in this myself, but I have a friend with arthritis who found the vertical one an improvement. Appreciate it's not the same situation, but added it more to say it's definitely worth exploring as you are, as you might find something that makes it a bit less painful for you.

    It might be an idea to contact a local electronic store if you have one to understand if they might be able to offer you a trial? It might be a long shot, but as the saying goes…if you don't ask, you don't get. I hope you're able to find a mouse that works for you. Please let us know how you get on.

  • PixelMist
    PixelMist Online Community Member Posts: 39 Connected
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1095415#Comment_1095415

    You’re right of course. I’m just hoping to find something a little less painful!! 🤣

    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1095453#Comment_1095453

    Thanks Holly!!! I tried a large chain store but they didn’t seem to know too much about them. I’ll keep searching!

  • Rosie_Scope
    Rosie_Scope Posts: 7,609 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @PixelMist, would a track pad/touch pad work for you? I find my wrist doesn't need to move too much using mine so I can just sit in a comfortable position and leave it there. You can usually do a fairly gentle tap to click, but sometimes you have to play about with the settings to get it to be how you want it. I mostly use a laptop now with a built-in trackpad, but I had one for my PC that plugged in. Might be an option to look into ☺️

    Hope you manage to find something suitable!

  • JW77
    JW77 Online Community Member Posts: 231 Empowering
    edited January 16

    The girlfriend has got a CSL vertical mouse - she's left handed and had carpel tunnel op on both wrists..

    https://www.csl-computer.com/en/catalogsearch/result?q=Vertical+mouse
    Takes a bit to 'retrain' yourself to use it.

    You usually have a months return if ordered online (depending on terms) so you could always buy one & try..

    I've asked my computer club in the past & some of them use rollerball mice etc esp for graphic editing etc..

    Also read Amazon reviews etc or ask if people with fibro is using them..
    Also found this thread on Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Fibromyalgia/comments/15itkt7/recommendations_for_computer_mouse/

  • 66Mustang
    66Mustang Online Community Member Posts: 15,375 Championing

    Have you tried a mouse mat with one of those gel cushions in them? You could even get a cushion that's cooled or heated, if that helps the pain

  • PixelMist
    PixelMist Online Community Member Posts: 39 Connected

    Thank you everybody for all your suggestions!!

    I find track pads are fine for browsing @Rosie_Scope but with my wobbly hands I’m just not precise enough for any design work 🤣

    Thanks @JW77 I’ll give one a go and see how I get on. It’s got to be better than carrying on as I am!!!

    My desk is full of heated mouse mats and gel pads @66Mustang and they help a little but I think I just spend too much time clicking and holding my arms in bad positions

  • JW77
    JW77 Online Community Member Posts: 231 Empowering

    Also asked my buddy who has Fibro Will let you know..
    A physio might be able to give advice for exercises etc.. But they don't come too cheap..
    Both me & the gf have been privately to see one , and worth the cost.. I had glue finger nerve issues etc..

  • PixelMist
    PixelMist Online Community Member Posts: 39 Connected

    I think I’ll have to see one as well at some point @JW77

    I was hoping to delay it but perhaps it would be wiser to see one now rather than leave it any longer!!

  • JW77
    JW77 Online Community Member Posts: 231 Empowering
    IMG_3209.jpeg IMG_3210.jpeg

    this is the mouse we have here, left right and a click by the thumb, as well as the scroll wheel

  • SwiftFox
    SwiftFox Online Community Member Posts: 174 Empowering

    https://www.pcguide.com/mouse/guide/best-for-carpal-tunnel/

  • JW77
    JW77 Online Community Member Posts: 231 Empowering

    Also if you have a second hand electronics shop like CeX they sell a lot of gaming and used stuff, including mice so you may well pick up a mouse secondhand.. Or at least get check em out..

  • 66Mustang
    66Mustang Online Community Member Posts: 15,375 Championing

    I didn't check through the whole thread but I saw a trackpad mentioned. Is that something you're comfortable using??

    You can buy external trackpads if that was a concern - you don't need to buy a laptop - they're connected in the same way as external mice

    That's a totally different way of using the mouse, you move a finger, not the whole device. If you find your wrist more comfortable when it's still that might be an option

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