Based on ergonomic guidance aimed at promoting comfort and preventing strain, the recommendation is actually to avoid resting your wrist directly on your mouse pad when using a mouse. Instead, the focus is on maintaining a neutral, elevated position for your wrist and using your arm for movement.
Why You Should Avoid Resting Your Wrist
According to ergonomic principles highlighted in the provided reference, keeping your wrist from touching the mouse pad is important for several reasons:
- Prevent Mouse Arm and Callus: Resting your wrist creates pressure and friction, which can contribute to developing conditions like "mouse arm" (tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome) and calluses on your wrist.
- Avoid Friction: Contact between your wrist and the mouse pad creates friction, which can impede smooth mouse movement and lead to discomfort over time.
Recommended Mouse Usage Position
Instead of resting your wrist, the suggested approach focuses on keeping your wrist elevated and aligning your arm correctly:
- Keep Wrist and Lower Arm Elevated: Position your lower arm and wrist so they are parallel to the desk surface and elevated a few inches above the mouse pad. This minimizes contact and friction.
- Use Your Arm for Movement: Mouse movements should primarily come from your elbow and shoulder, rather than bending or pivoting your wrist.
- Rest Your Arm (When Needed): While actively mousing, keep the wrist elevated. However, it's perfectly acceptable to rest parts of your arm occasionally for comfort, as long as it allows for easy movement when you resume mousing.
By keeping your wrist elevated and using your arm for navigation, you can maintain a more neutral posture, reduce pressure points, and potentially prevent common computer-related injuries.
