The 3M Ergonomic Mouse

The 3M Ergonomic Mouse is designed to keep your hand in a comfortable neutral position. It may help relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The mouse is advertised as allowing you to work "easily and comfortably for hours". This mouse can be purchased at computer and electronics stores, and through various online vendors.

I was recently diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and my doctor recommended that I use an ergonomic mouse, instead of a traditional one. My doctor advised that an ergonomic mouse would keep my hand in a neutral position and ease the strain that my current mouse had been putting on my carpal tunnel.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by repetitive strain on the median nerve in the wrist. Repeating the same actions over and over, such as using a mouse or typing on a keyboard can cause this to occur. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is felt primarily on the palm of the hand, and up through the thumb as a burning or tingling sensation.

I purchased the 3M Ergonomic Mouse for my home, and my employer purchased one for me to use at the office. I've been using it for about two weeks, and I've definitely noticed an improvement in my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The mouse features a vertical grip, putting the hand in a more natural position than a horizontal grip (see photos).

The mouse is available in two sizes-- small/medium and large-- for an optimal fit. I am using the small/medium version and I think I might benefit from something even smaller, if it were available. The right and left mouse buttons are both pressed using the thumb, and are located at the top of the mouse (see photos).

The mouse took a few hours to get used to, and I still think that a traditional mouse is more user-friendly, although not necessarily as comfortable or good for my wrist. If a traditional mouse didn't cause and aggravate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I would use a traditional mouse instead of this ergonomic one.

The mouse also has a third button for scrolling, which is not very user friendly. If you are used to the traditional scrolling mouse, then this will take you awhile to get used to. I still find it extremely annoying and difficult to control. It doesn't scroll like a scroll button-- you push it and then move the mouse up and down for scrolling.

Has it helped my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Somewhat. The problem with the 3M Ergonomic Mouse is that it causes you to rest your wrist sideways on the desk (with the thumb upwards). Resting my wrist and forearm in such a manner, I have aggravated my Ulnar Tunnel, and have developed Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome, which is felt in on the other side of the hand, through the pinky finger. If you purchase the 3M Ergonomic Mouse, be careful about your wrist position so as not to trade one problem for another.