Improper or excessive keyboard and mouse use can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when your median nerve, running from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes compressed. This compression leads to symptoms like tingling, burning, or numbness in your thumb, index, and middle fingers and part of your ring finger.

CTS is the most common nerve compression disorder, affecting about 3% to 6% of adults. Using a keyboard or mouse can trigger CTS or make symptoms of it worse, particularly if your wrist is strained during use.

Let’s delve deeper into the symptoms of CTS and explore effective solutions.

There’s not much research on the link between keyboard use and CTS, and an older 2008 study notes that the limited research that does exist produced mixed results.

Sometimes, the cause of CTS is not known. But repetitive movements involving your hand and wrist are known contributing factors. While it might seem like your fingers do all the work when you’re typing, your hands and wrists are also making subtle movements as you type.

When you use a keyboard for an extended period of time, these movements become repetitive, which may contribute to CTS. The amount of repetitive movement involving your hands and wrists is somewhat determined by your keyboard setup.

For example, if you don’t use any kind of support for your wrists, they’ll be positioned at a steeper angle. If you do have something to support your wrists (more on this later), they’ll stay in a more neutral position.

Whether keyboard use is behind your CTS symptoms also depends on other repetitive movements you might do throughout the day. For example, if you regularly work with hand tools or use a video game controller for long periods of time, the added movements from typing may have more of an impact.

Some evidence also suggests that noncomputer jobs, like cleaning, laundry work, and slaughterhouse work, may pose a higher risk of CTS due to the rapid wrist movements required.

Can mouse use cause carpal tunnel?

Mouse use may contribute to developing CTS, especially if it involves repetitive wrist movements or wrist positioning that causes strain.

The type of mouse you use may also affect your risk of CTS. A 2024 study suggests that vertical mouses may be better for maintaining a neutral wrist position, which can help to prevent CTS or reduce symtoms.

The symptoms of CTS from typing can include:

  • Numbness and tingling: This is often felt in your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. These sensations might occur during typing or at rest.
  • Pain: This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain in your hand and wrist and sometimes up your arm.
  • Weakness: This involves difficulty in gripping objects or performing tasks that require fine motor skills, such as buttoning your shirt.
  • Swelling sensation: Even if there’s no visible swelling, a feeling of fullness or swelling in your fingers can be present.
  • Difficulty with coordination: Fine motor tasks might become challenging, affecting tasks like typing accurately or using a mouse.

These symptoms often get worse at night or during activities that involve bending your wrist, such as driving, talking on the phone, or typing.

Here are some tips, tricks, and treatments to reduce CTS pain:

  • Position your keyboard and mouse: Keep them at a comfortable height and close to you, with your wrists straight.
  • Use wrist support: Consider using wrist rests and ergonomic keyboards to help keep your wrists in a neutral position.
  • Adjust your chair: Ensure it supports your back, allows your feet to rest flat, and keeps your arms parallel to the floor.
  • Perform wrist stretches: Extend your arm with your palm down, gently pull back your fingers, and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat with your other hand.
  • Do finger stretches: Stretch each finger by gently pulling it back with your other hand, holding each stretch for a few seconds.
  • Hand squeezes: Squeeze a stress ball to strengthen your hand muscles.
  • Take frequent breaks: Rest your hands every 20 to 30 minutes, stand up, stretch, and move around.
  • Take microbreaks: Shake out your hands every few minutes for 10 to 15 seconds.
  • Maintain good posture: Sit up straight and avoid slouching.
  • Use voice-to-text: Reduce your typing time with voice recognition software.
  • Try a wrist brace: Braces can help keep your wrist in ideal postures and reduce pain.
  • Pain relief medications: Consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil).
  • Corticosteroid injections: These injections can reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain.
  • Ultrasound treatment: High-frequency sound waves can reduce inflammation and improve nerve function.

When to seek professional care

Get professional help for severe, persistent hand or wrist pain that significantly affects your daily activities despite self-care efforts. Also, consult a healthcare professional if you experience accompanying symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or swelling in your hand.

When looking for keyboards and mouse pads for carpal tunnel, consider those that promote ergonomic design. Ergonomic products are designed to reduce strain and discomfort by accommodating the natural posture and movements of your body.

Look for keyboards that have a split or curved design to reduce wrist strain and promote a more natural hand position.

For mouse pads, choose ones with wrist support to maintain a neutral wrist position and reduce pressure on your median nerve. Also, opt for soft, cushioned mouse pads to provide comfort during extended computer use.

CTS occurs when the median nerve in your wrist is compressed, leading to pain and numbness in your hand and fingers. Typing or using a mouse can contribute to its development, especially if it’s done incorrectly or in a way that strains your wrist.

If you experience hand or wrist pain, taking regular breaks and stretching can help. Consider using ergonomic keyboards and mouse pads to reduce strain. If pain persists, get medical advice.