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If your job requires that you spend a lot of time sitting at the computer, and of course, using a keyboard and mouse, then you probably already know of the strain and stress that this can put on both the wrist and the hands day in and day out. As technology continues to advance making our lives easier and more efficient, more and more of us are spending large amounts of time at the computer, but unfortunately as a result, we are suffering from the all too common condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS as well as other repetitive stress injuries.

Carpal tunnel syndrome may be considered to be a relatively new medical condition; however, it has actually been in existence for many years but has only recently garnered more attention as computers have become a part of our daily lives.

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 refers to an actual opening of space that's created by the wrist bone and tendons and the ligaments that are running through the underside of the wrist. Within this space is a major nerve, the median nerve, that receives signal from the brain and sends it to the hands and four 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.

Selecting the Perfect 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 one's wrist on a hard surface places too much pressure on the wrist, causing the median nerve to get compressed, in turn causing symptoms such as numbness and tingling to occur in the fingers, along with a loss of feeling, weakened grip, and swelling and pain.

Even with a mouse pad with a soft, gel filling, you still should get into the habit of resting the edge of your palm on the wrist rest rather than putting full force on the center of the wrist itself.

Also, when using your ergonomic mouse pad, you must make sure that the rest of your work station is ergonomically correct as well otherwise you won't be making full use of the mouse pad's special design.

Keeping both feet flat on the floor with your back straight, rest your arms on your desk - with your wrist on your ergonomic mouse pad. Keep your chair at the proper height to arms just rest on the desk.

Remember to take frequent breaks, stretching the wrists, hands, and fingers on a regular basis.