If your job entails spending a lot of time sitting at the computer, and of course, using a keyboard and mouse, then you're probably aware of the stress that this can put on the wrist and the hands day after day. As our daily lives become more efficient as a result of ongoing technological progress, more and more of us are spending all too much time in front of the computer. Unfortunately, just as many of us are now suffering from the all too common condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS, as well as a variety of other repetitive stress injuries.

Many people think of carpal tunnel syndrome as a new medical condition. In truth, though, it has been around for a number of years. Since computers have grown to become an increasingly large part of our lives, however, this condition has begun to attract more attention.

In order to comprehend the contrast that a mouse pad with ergonomic design can offer in terms of the ache of carpal tunnel syndrome, we need to initially find out more regarding this fragile part of the wrist which is the namesake of the ailment.

The carpal tunnel pertains to a definite cavity of space which is formed by the wrist bone and tendons as well as the ligaments which travel throughout the bottom side of the wrist. Inside this area is a key nerve, the median nerve, which gets a signal from the brain and delivers it to the hands and four out of the five fingers.

If you have trouble with the joint and favor it, you will soon have excess fluid appear in the area. This buildup is commonly identified as inflammation or swelling of the bursa, and can result in considerable distress.

Choosing an Ergonomic Mouse Pad

The purpose of an ergonomic mouse pad is twofold, one to offer cushion to the wrist and the carpal tunnel within it, and two, for keeping the wrist and hand in their most natural positions. When standing upright, the wrist and hand fall naturally in toward the body on an angle, so when we are sitting, we should ensure the wrist and hands are also allowed to be in this same, most comfortable position.

A number of ergonomic mouse pads are made with wrist rests which have a pliable, spongy, gel-like material inside. This lessens the force against the carpal tunnel and its supporting tendons and ligaments.

Keeping the wrist on a hard surface puts far too much pressure on this wrist causing the median nerve to be compressed, which in turn causes symptoms like tingling and numbness in the fingers to occur, as well as a weakened grip, loss of feeling, and pain and swelling.

No matter if the mouse pad has a soft gel filling, avoid the temptation to put the full force of the center of your wrist on the pad. Develop the habit of resting the edge of your palm on the pad.

Remember, the ergonomic mouse pad does not do magic, or repair poor posture. The rest of your station must be properly aligned, or your hands and wrists will get little or no extra benefit.

Your chair must be at the right height so your arms just rest on the desk, with the wrist on an ergonomic mouse pad, certainly, and you must also try to keep both your feet flat on the ground while you work with a straight back.

Stop your typing from time to time, and give your hands, wrists and fingers an occasional rest and a stretch.