Something to Shake a Finger at: the Mouse Syndrome
by ANNIE GOSS

The mouse has been a favourite standard computer peripheral in many offices and homes for well over 20 years now. Unfortunately, using a mouse involves many repetitive movements with the hands and the arms. This serious drawback has caused many people to suffer from a condition called Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), more commonly called the Mouse Arm Syndrome or Mouse Syndrome for short.

Mouse Syndrome Symptoms

Who could believe that such a cute little mouse can cause so much pain ? Regrettably, working with a mouse requires repetitive clicks along with distorted angles of the hand and arm when trying to clutch and drag. After lengthy amounts of time, this can result in soreness of the fingers, hands, arms and even shoulders which can in turn lead to serious injuries involving tendon inflammation. Hence, the risk of suffering from the Mouse Syndrome is greatly increased. Some of the painful symptoms of this disorder are:

• tingling or numbness of the fingers,
• soreness, stiffness or burning sensation in the hand, wrist and forearm, and/or
• the “slept-on-my-arm-all-night-long” sensation.

How to prevent it

Improper working habits can lead to strain and pain. Therefore, the most important thing to consider when at your computer station is to maintain straight lines: straight back, loose straight shoulders, and keeping your hands, arms, wrists in a straight line with the keyboard (and not in a downward position which is commonly believed to be right). If there is an angle anywhere, friction occurs between the muscle and the tendons which can lead to stress, inflammation and injury.

Alas, preventions are not cures for someone who is already suffering from RSI. But preventing an injury goes a long way in ensuring a healthy future. Mouse Syndrome prevention tips include:

• avoiding bad posture positions when working with your computer,
• shortening lengthy computer sessions,
• taking breaks while working,
• regularly changing positions,
• using keyboard shortcuts as much and as often as possible,
• frequently exercising and stretching the muscles of fingers, hands and arms, or
• repeatedly alternating from the mouse to another computer peripheral.

The perfect alternative

Graphics tablets or interactive pen displays are perfect solutions to the Mouse Syndrome. Instead of constantly clicking with the mouse, one can tap with a pen to accomplish the same mouse tasks such as navigating. Using ergonomic padded pens significantly relieves tension and fatigue associated with long hours of mouse clicking. Employing a variety of working methods are also excellent means of reducing and even preventing Repetitive Strain Injury. Now, add the fact that you can just as easily place the graphics tablet on your knees as on your the desktop, or draw directly in a any position that best suits you on an adjustable LCD monitor screen with Wacom’s Cintiq interactive pen displays, you then have the makings of a perfectly comfortable, safe and efficient working environment.

With a mouse, the same muscles are being used in the same positions for lengthy periods. On the contrary, with a pen, you bring into play many muscles in the fingers, in the hand and in the arm on a regular basis. Plus, pens allow you to keep your forearm in a relaxed position, thus relieving friction and strain on the muscles and the tendons.

The pen is mightier than the mouse

Wacom’s patented Penabled Technology (featuring lightweight, perfectly balanced ergonomic pens which function wirelessly and without any batteries) gives you the freedom to move comfortably and the way you want. You can also easily program and personalize the buttons on the pens to function as the right and left click buttons of the mouse or assign shortcuts according to your needs. The graphics tablet and its accompanying pen replace many keyboard functions and provide numerous shortcuts at the tip of your fingers, all important measures in preventing the Mouse Syndrome. For those who are avid mouse lovers, most Wacom graphics tablets come with a cordless, battery-free and ball-free mouse. By frequently alternating between the pen and the mouse, you greatly reduce the chance of suffering from this serious injury.

Furthermore, the active surface of the Wacom pen tablets or graphics tablets perfectly mirror the computer monitor, thus allowing you to rapidly control the whole screen in just a few quick movements. Again, the tension in the fingers, hands and arm are greatly reduced, thus helping to prevent or even stop the progress of this RSI disorder. An ounce of prevention

The dreaded Mouse Syndrome is no laughing matter and is truly something to shake a finger at. It can be a very painful and bothersome experience, enough to alter any career involving computers. Even if your symptoms are not serious enough to warrant a change in bad habits, efficiency, accuracy, productivity, and health all suffer when hands and wrists start to ache. Remember that there are no magic cures nor are there any definite and quick remedies for the Mouse Syndrome yet. So, it is far better to prevent than to regret.

The information in this article is not medical advice. The tips provided, based on experience and personal research, are but an overall approach to Mouse Syndrome prevention. Please contact your physician immediately if you believe you are experiencing any effects of RSI.

 

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