I've been using a computer daily since the early 1990s, and inevitably some parts of my body have reacted badly to this. My right wrist started hurting sometime in the 2000s, and last year that pain extended further up my arm. RSI had become a problem that I needed to deal with.
After a bit of digging around various ergonomics websites, I decided to try a new mouse. It was my mouse arm that was giving me grief, so that seemed to be a good place to start. On the recommendation of a fellow geek, I decided to try a Vertical Mouse from
Evoluent. It's a weird looking contraption, that is basically a mouse on its side.
The idea is that you twist your forearm less with a vertical mouse. Your arm remains in a neutral, natural position when using it. I was dubious this would make any difference.
However, after a week using my first one at home, I bought a second for work. I've not had wrist or arm trouble since. It has changed my working life. I wouldn't go back to using a normal mouse.
43 Comments
Glad it's working for you. I've bought two of them now; the first went kaput after about a year but this new version seems beefier. I've stopped using it, however. At some point IT was giving me wrist trouble! I attribute it to "too much of anything leads to strain"... I've gone back to a regular mouse, but now reading your post I think I'll plug mine vertical one back it... <hold please>
Hmm. Ahhh. That's the stuff. I think I'll switch back to vertical again for a while! Thanks for the reminder!
#1, robert jung, usa, 16 August 2010. Reply to this.
One of the guys I work with has one of them and I find it so awkward to use personally, btw, it's knickname has become the rat, mostly because of it's size when compared to a normal mouse.
I myself recently started suffering a bit from RSI, I used to use baoding balls a lot in the 90's, but more recently I've been using Powerballs which really do help
http://www.powerballs.com/
#2, Mark McNally, UK, 19 August 2010. Reply to this.
I would also recommend the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. I was having a similar issue in my left wrist and this keyboard cured it right up. It's a great developer keyboard.
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=043
#3, Andrew Potapov, USA, 21 August 2010. Reply to this.
Interesting concept. I thiink Mark hit the nail on the head. Being aware of your body and swapping between the two you probably being you the most benefit. I find the new very thin mice for the Mac's are nice as they are flatter and they decrease the angle of your wrist.
As for the ergonomic keyboard I personally could not get on with it, Being a leftie and having an unorthodox method of typing I found it hard to adapt, my mum has used one for years and she loves it.
#4, Hannah, United Kingdom, 8 September 2010. Reply to this.
I have never seen a vertical mouse before but I can see the sense in it as it keeps the hands in a more natural position rather than forcing them to be flat on the table. I am glad to hear it has made working easier for you. The biggest problem I have is eye strain but I find having lots of tea breaks helps with this and is also nice to have a little more time away from the desk! Thanks for sharing.
#5, Adam Holt, UK, 8 September 2010. Reply to this.
I didn't have wrist pain, but I did have shoulder pain, and numbness in my fingers. I started mousing lefty and that worked well for a while, and switched back and forth after that every so often. But the thing that really fixed it for me was the book Pain Free at Your PC by Pete Egoscue. If you have wrist pain, the problem most likely isn't something you are doing with your wrist - that's just the "downstream" result, so to speak. I highly recommend the Egoscue method of body alignment. It's easy, and it works. The book is inexpensive - check it out.
#6, Guy Iaccarino, United States, 4 October 2010. Reply to this.
again and its been said but its not really my wrist its cramp in my finger! i use the mac magic mouse, which is so sensitive you have to keep hovering your figure over it when in various design programs, its not aproblem or uncomfortable but occasionally your finger just stops and cramps up!
any recommencement's? not the track pack as that was just a massive mistake! well for the desk top its wicked for the the pro.
#7, Richard Ball, Australia, 5 October 2010. Reply to this.
I recommend the Evoluent keyboard.
#8, Emma Crameri, Australia, 15 October 2010. Reply to this.
Problaby a good idea.. but prefer the powerballs
#9, francisco, spain, 3 November 2010. Reply to this.
I think that it's nice that you like that vertical mouse. But i feel that the best solution to avoid wrist cramping while using a mouse is to avoid locking your wrist and arms in a position for too long. I there are deadlines to be met, of course this is unavoidable. In which case, i'd suggest a changeup of mouse. Have a comfortable regular mouse, a vertical mouse and maybe a trackball, if you're comfortable with it, on hand. If you feel the cramps coming in, just switch the mouse you're using with something else. Eventually, you'll be able to notice the best times to change your computing methods, and maybe set a schedule for yourself. I change mouses every couple of days, just to make sure that i don't have any soreness to my wrist. When you're in front of a computer all the time, you have to make provisions. This, and taking a break every once in a while helps keep me focused on my work.
#10, Bingo Ventura, Philippines, 12 November 2010. Reply to this.
Do you know of a Linux 64 bit driver for the vertical mouse?
#11, David Drescher, United States, 20 November 2010. Reply to this.
Well you come to know very early :)
After the much effect you tried that.
I would refer evolutent keyboard.
#12, pucit, USA, 22 November 2010. Reply to this.
Good thoughts Dave. I used to have more twinges in the mouse arm until I switched to just using my Macbook Pro and it's trackpad. Pain gone. However, I've parted with that laptop since I got my iPad and moved back to a desktop. Trying the trackpad instead of a mouse but your article has inspired me to fabricate a 90 degree stand so I can switch up the trackpad position... Cool idea!
#13, Mark Bossert, Canada, 28 November 2010. Reply to this.
I work online for health reasons. i have always had to use a track ball. my fingers tremble and shake, pretty bad. and get to cramp up, from mauvering, hovering, clicking. I try to work from my lap top, with the track pad, i can use my thumbs for clicking, and rest the side of my hand on the edge, to stop the tremble. Lord willing, I will be able to be productive for a few years yet. thanks for sharing, and bringing it up.
#14, rory, USA, 2 December 2010. Reply to this.
Ever try changing your primary mousing hand?
#15, Sadie, 2 December 2010. Reply to this.
It looks like a mouse for people with disabled hands.
#16, Michael, 4 January 2011. Reply to this.
wow that mouse looks really strange, but I can imagine that this style is very comfortable for your hand and fingers
#17, Karl, Germany, 13 January 2011. Reply to this.
Whoa! That mouse sure looks strange to me.
I've been using my computer daily for the past five years and I honestly have never experienced something similar to what you described in your post. Wonder why.
Could it be because of the fact that I'm not using a mouse, but a mousepad? If so, then you should totally try switching from a mouse to a mousepad. Or to a touchscreen.
#18, Nabil, Sweden, 5 February 2011. Reply to this.
I've been looking for this kind of mouse in Scandinavia but never found any reseller. Maybe I should get one from eBay? What did it cost?
And by the way; What about a keyboard that is not plain on the desk. How awesome would it have been if a keyboard had a bend in the middle for more comfort?
#19, Filmer, 5 February 2011. Reply to this.
I also had the similar pain. I have been using this mouse for about an year. It really helped me to reduce the pain. I would highly recommend this for anyone. But be informed, this is bit weired to use initially but will be fine when you get used to it. This is the official site of this product.
http://www.evoluent.com/vm3w.html
#20, Risa, Australia, 19 February 2011. Reply to this.
I've sworn by the Logitech Trackman wheel mouse for years now. You never have to wave a mouse across a desk ever again, and because the ball is on the left (so only good if you're right-handed), it's super-comfortable for your hand and thumb. I tried the trackballs with the ball in the middle and they felt horrible. Give yourself 2 days with a trackman like in the link and you'll never go back to any other mouse.
http://reviews.logitech.com/7061/166/logitech-trackman-wheel-reviews/reviews.htm
#21, Gary Storm, Australia, 22 February 2011. Reply to this.
I agree, I've used the Trackman for almost 8 years now because of a work related wrist injury. Wrist was better 7.5 years ago but the Trackman is still my first choice.
#22, Adam Benoit, 1 March 2011. Reply to this.
just stumbled across this article while looking for a solution for a similar wrist problem - very interesting! I spend so much time on a computer but never thought about the mouse - will have to try it. thanks again.
#23, Charles Dugan, USA, 3 April 2011. Reply to this.
I use a MS Explorer trackball (it has a nice, large ball easily manipulated with the 3 middle fingers) placed 2" in front of me (and when I figure out a stable platform to practically stand it on its side, I shall do so, such that it would be akin to placing my hand in my stomach). I've been using this configuration for years with zero wrist problems (okay, so I couple my pointer device choice with keyboard commands on a dvorak keyboard tipped "backwards", too). Anyways, I love not having to devote space to sliding a mouse around as well as the lack of wrist issue. But, good luck getting one at a reasonable price these days: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-D68-00007-Trackball-Explorer/dp/B00005853Z
#24, Jason Pasnikowski, USA, 11 April 2011. Reply to this.
Man! Thats one ugly mouse right there. I never seen a product like that before. Seems quite comfortable....
I am as curious as the commenter above me, you know if this product is available in Sweden?
#25, Nisse, Sweden, 26 May 2011. Reply to this.
Ergonomic mouse might be the most important thing for a person that works with computers :)
Replies: #28.
#26, Ali, Sweden, 18 June 2011. Reply to this.
I have actually noticed that I get much less tense in my right shoulder since I started use a similar mouse! Can really recommend it!
#27, John, Sweden, 22 June 2011. Reply to this.
And I'm with Mr. P who left a comment above — these things are pretty amazing :D
Will be getting one for my daughter anytime soon if the price fits us...
#28, --, USA, 8 July 2011. Reply to this.
Another thing that I think is more important is a really really (really) good chair to sit on when you're working.
#29, Albin, Norway, 12 July 2011. Reply to this.
A lot of people working with computers often forget about the ergonomy. It's good that there are ways to treat it afterwards but most important is to make sure you don't need to treat it.
#30, --, Sweden, 24 July 2011. Reply to this.
I think the mouse is important, but I think a good working place is much more relevant and important!
#31, petter, Sverige, 28 July 2011. Reply to this.
Sounds like a good concept. I really think that not twisting your arm is good. But - must ask - have you done any rehab training for your arm as well?
#32, Sven, Sweden, 2 August 2011. Reply to this.
I have a comfortable regular mouse, a vertical mouse and maybe a trackball, if you're comfortable with it, on hand. If you feel the cramps coming in, just switch the mouse you're using with something else. Eventually, you'll be able to notice the best times to change your computing methods, and maybe set a schedule for yourself. :)
#33, Jamie, Denmark, 5 August 2011. Reply to this.
I honestly think that I've never ever experienced a mouse as smooth as this one.
For you Swedes reading this: get this mouse ASAP! It rocks :)
#34, Geek, Finland, 7 August 2011. Reply to this.
Very nice, I've never seen anything like that before.
#35, Christer, Sweden, 9 August 2011. Reply to this.
Hi again,
Just want to step by and say that I actually was in the store yesterday looking at a new mouse. Not a vertical due. But one with a track ball, which you move with your thumb. Haven't bought it yet but I think it will be that one.
/Sven
#36, Sven, Sweden, 11 August 2011. Reply to this.
looks like a gun to me
#37, Rizwan Asif, PK, 20 August 2011. Reply to this.
Never seen a mouse like this one but it is a intersting design!
#38, Sebastian, Sweden, 23 August 2011. Reply to this.
This is a really good mouse if you have problems with your arm. But one really important thing to keep in mind is to have good support for your elbow. This is very important for not getting any pain inte the shoulder area.
#39, Andreas, Sweden, 26 September 2011. Reply to this.
It seems natural when reading this post that the bones in the under arm will have a much better position when using a vertical mouse. Maybe should try one like this.
#40, Roger, Germany, 30 October 2011. Reply to this.
Again and its been said but its not really my wrist its cramp in my finger! i use the mac magic mouse, which is so sensitive you have to keep hovering your figure over it when in various design programs, its not aproblem or uncomfortable but occasionally your finger just stops and cramps up!
#41, Albin Stoop, Sweden, 25 December 2011. Reply to this.
I have wireless mouse and keyboard connected. I have to say there is nothing as smooth as the flipping and scrolling as it is when using Apples mouse. Def. recommend it. First I have to try this to be able to compare, but I have hard to believe its better.
#42, Patrik Larsson, Sweden, 22 January 2012. Reply to this.
I've never had any trouble using a regular mouse even though I use one about 10 hrs a day.
#43, Erik, Denmark, 8 March 2012. Reply to this.