Hand going numb on mouse. Recomendations?
Hand going numb on mouse. Recomendations?
I was using my PC tonight (Oni). The standard mouse and keyboard setup was working, but my mouse hand started feeling numb. I use a gel padded mouse pad and don’t usually get this issue, so I wanted some advice from experts on how to avoid it. I’m not a big gamer, so I’d prefer practical tips rather than advanced hardware upgrades.
Are there any discomfort or pain linked to the numbness? This seems like an ergonomic concern. I’d appreciate input from experienced members who can assist. My advice is to refine your workspace by minimizing sharp corners in your joints and positioning the mouse close enough. Also, assess your posture regularly. If this persists, an ergonomic setup could help, but a professional assessment might be beneficial.
Gel cushioned mouse pads might feel comfortable, but they can still limit blood circulation if you sit on them for extended periods. Your wrist veins are quite delicate. I prefer a thick, flat mouse mat instead. For my setup, the optimal distance is about 25cm (10 inches) from the desk edge. This places most of your arm weight near your elbow, which naturally shifts your hand position. (To illustrate the pressure point, press slightly into the edge of the desk—this makes my arm look wider there. It's mostly a visual effect.) You might also consider vertical mice or trackballs. Vertical models move contact points outward, helping keep your wrist in a more natural alignment. Trackballs let you avoid arm movement, which is useful for preventing RSI, though they can be less accurate and may cause thumb discomfort over time. That's why I switch between my mouse and trackball depending on the task (and whether the cat decides to sit on the pad). To be honest, I don’t have wrist problems now, but I used to feel occasional numbness after long computer sessions, so I took steps to avoid it.
How your arm is positioned while using the mouse might be influencing your comfort. Researching ergonomics online can help you understand what works best for you. If you spend long periods gaming, take breaks regularly. Consider switching to controller-based games temporarily. Over the past decade, I’ve learned to pay attention to posture and reduce typing/mouse use. A few years ago, working on data entry made my hand strain—eventually it hurt badly, but things have improved.
Ideal position comes from a relaxed shoulder, matching your chair armrests with your table. Position your mouse to fit your hand comfortably. Adjust other settings, as they usually don’t matter much. For larger hands and palm grip preference, choose a mouse with a tall profile—smaller models tend to be too low.