Ergonomic mice?

[Julia2009]

Can anyone recommend or give advice on ergonomic mice to use for laptops please? Recently bought a new laptop but struggling to use the touch pad and normal mouse with my wrists and hands.

Thank you

[earthwitch]

There are so many different sorts of them, its probably best if you find somewhere with a good selection and try them. I managed to try a selection provided by the student services person at my local college. It depends a bit which bits of your hand take the strain most, which sort will work best. You could also see if the OT department or a disability showroom has any you could try.

[Julia2009 in reply to earthwitch]

Ah okay. Thank you. I've been to general places like currys but they have standard mice not special ones. Thanks again.

[Julia2009]

I definitely need to try some out but its finding the right shops to visit with these ergonomic mice in. Ive seen lots online but I need to try them. My wrist/arm prefers to be on the side rather than laying flat and I do have movement etc in fingers but it gets very painful, stiff, stuck and difficult to use a mouse in thumb and first 2 fingers after a short while.

Will continue with research.

Thanks for replying.

[Julia2009]

Thank you. I'll have a look in more depth tomorrow. 😊

[Hidden]

I bought an Evoluent mouse (evoluent.com/) a couple of years ago for exactly the same reason. They're a bit pricey - about £60 - but worth every penny to me. I also got myself a forearm rest, it screws on to the side of the desk and takes the weight off the wrist. I do a lot of computer work as I run the accounting side of our business, these bits of kit have kept me going!

Hope you find something to suit you.

Mo

[Julia2009 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Mo. I also do a lot of computer work at the minute so it's really putting strain on my wrist.

[JanWellcome]

A vertical mouse is the best, put you hand and arm into a mitral position, I've used one for years and with my laptop in my previous role, my current company is now supplying them as I recommended them for others who had RSI, they are expensive, mine is a evolution one which are about £100. I also use wrist supports my mouse mat has one integral, usually gel squishy type things.

Unfortunately will not completely get rid of the pain but it does help reduce the strain of normal mouse and pads.

Do you also raise your laptop as that also help, I had a very basis raiser one that would rap around my laptop when in its case and very light. They put the laptop in a better position for hands and reduce the heat generated from your laptop.

Do you work? Could company make these adjustments for you?

I hope this helps it something I have championed were ever I have worked because it makes such a difference.

All the best

Jan😘

[Julia2009 in reply to JanWellcome]

Hi Jan,

No I'm a full time mum at the moment however use the laptop a lot at the moment as I have a lot of new things going on. Vertical mouse, I'll try searching for that on Google. My laptop tilts slightly as you open the lid so that helps.

Thank you for replying.

[Braecoon in reply to Julia2009]

I have a Penguin mouse which is vertical so your hand is on its side.

[JanWellcome]

I hope you understand my post, looks like auto spelling took over and it is an evoluent mouse same as mo-warden.

Jan😘

[julie01]

I have an Pro Ergonomic Wireless Laser Mouse that I use at work, I got it from Maplins and it makes such a difference. maplin.co.uk/p/maplin-pro-e...

This is the link for it and it cost £49.99, worth every penny

Julie

[Julia2009 in reply to julie01]

Thanks Julie

[siskin]

If you go to the start menu, if you have windows, click on control panel and search for Ease of access centre there are a number of ways you can adjust your computer including an on screen keyboard which can be used with a stylus.

I know the problems well as left hand badly ulna deviated and clawed right hand waiting for all knuckles to be replaced and thumb fused.

Hope you soon find something to help

[Julia2009 in reply to siskin]

Thank you

[mistymeana]

I would recommend you try a variety of different types of mouse in store if you can. When I used to need to use one all day every day for work I had to have one. My manager thought they were being helpful and ordered one in that was the size of your average house brick and totally unsuitable. He then went completely the other way and got one suitable for a small monkey paw - really good for someone with poor grip (not!). The third attempt of a joystick type was better but still not good for me. In the end I went to an in dependent computer specialist store and tried a few and found a tracker ball one was perfect for me. I know it's a bit of a pain having to shop around but it really is worth it long-term as the right mouse can make a big difference and what suits one person could be painful for another. Good luck in your search.

[Victoria-NRAS Partner Moderator NRAS]

Hi Julia

Might be worth contacting AbilityNet for advice and looking at some of their factsheets. We've done an article with them on computers and RA, which we're in the process of getting updated. In the meantime, maybe try contacting them:

abilitynet.org.uk/?&gclid=C...

Victoria

(NRAS)

[Julia2009 in reply to Victoria-NRAS]

Thank you Victoria.