Mouse Use Hurts My Arm

My Arm Hurts When I Use the Mouse

Arm pain from using a mouse can occur anywhere—in the wrist, elbow, or shoulder. Repetitive small movements overload the tendons and muscles, and staying in the same posture for long periods makes the problem worse.

Causes by Where It Hurts

Wrist Pain

Using a mouse with the wrist bent back inflames the wrist tendons. Carpal tunnel syndrome or tenosynovitis is possible.

Elbow Pain

Pain on the outer elbow points to tennis elbow; pain on the inner side points to golfer’s elbow. Repeated mouse clicking is the cause.

Shoulder/Neck Pain

If the mouse is too far away or your arm is held up, the shoulder is overloaded. The neck often becomes stiff as well.

Improving Your Work Setup

  • Mouse position: At a height where the elbow is at 90 degrees, kept close to the body
  • Wrist posture: Keep the wrist neutral, not bent back
  • Mouse choice: One that fits the size of your hand
  • Wrist pad: Lift off it while clicking, use it only when resting

The limits of an ergonomic mouse

An ergonomic mouse can ease the pain temporarily, but it is not a treatment. If the underlying problem isn’t resolved, the pain eventually returns. Rather than switching mice, the priority is treating the tendons and fascia that are already damaged.

When a better setup isn’t enough

If the tendons are already inflamed or the fascia has stiffened, improving your setup won’t fix it. Treatment is needed.

Solving Work-Related Pain with Circulation Treatment

  • Circulation HD: Treats inflammation of the tendons and fascia
  • Circulation PT: Corrects work posture, teaches stretching

Frequently Asked Together

Does Your Arm Hurt When You Use the Mouse?

Find the cause, get treatment, and improve your work setup.

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References

  • Andersen JH et al. Computer use and carpal tunnel syndrome: a 1-year follow-up study. JAMA. 2003;289(22):2963–2969. PMID 12799404
  • Jensen C. Development of neck and hand-wrist symptoms in relation to duration of computer use at work. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2003;76(8):581–587.
  • Fogleman M, Brogmus G. Computer mouse use and cumulative trauma disorders of the upper extremity. Appl Ergon. 1995;26(3):197–200.