Are keyboard/mouse wrist pads effective against RSI?

Question

Back Story: I have no control over the desk at my workplace: a single flat surface, sits too high, and is an inflexible part of the cubicle itself. I am doing a lot of typing and, although I try to take breaks, I would like to help keep my wrists and arms in a more comfortable position for the frequently common programming marathons.

My question is whether or not those gel wrist pads which sit in front of keyboards, or are a part of some mouse pads, are effective at all? Would I be better off just investing in a better keyboard? It seems like they'd make it easier to keep your wrist relatively straight rather than bent upwards from the desk surface.

Answer 1

If you do not have control over you desk, you might have control over your chair (i.e. to adjust its height).

Answer 2

In my experience, the wrist pads work OK. They help, but are not a perfect solution. For me, the only relief came when I got a Microsoft Natural Keyboard (original, or the one with blue buttons at top). This is because, for me, working with a straight keyboard keeps my wrists at an odd angle that is not comfortable over a long period of time.

Answer 3

The key to the wrist pads, is the wrist angle that you achieve. If you're lower than your desk, and the wrist pads are causing more angle, then they're not helping. If you can get a little higher, so that your wrists are straight (when typing), then they will help.

You might see if you can get an keyboard drawer, which will result in a lower placed keyboard.

Answer 4

As a sufferer of RSI/CTD and having had some training as an ergonomic evaluator, the key is to keep your body in a neutral position, or as near neutral as possible.

What does this mean? For your wrists/arms do the following:

1. Stand up with your hands and arms relaxed at your side.
2. Bend your arms at the elbows to ~90 degrees, so your fore-arms are parallel to the floor.

This is the neutral position for your wrists, hands and arms. A keyboard, keyboard tray, desk height and arm support that allows you to maintain that posture is the ideal. I personally use the Comfort Keyboard

Your pointing device should, ideally, be at the same height as the "home keys" on your keyboard. ("F" and "J")

Things you can do when table height is not adjustable:

• Raise your chair but keep your feet supported!
• Get an articulated keyboard tray (moves in/out, up/down and swivels)
• Gel pads for the wrists can be used to eliminate "sharp corners" or to level the wrists/arms to the proper height.

Finally, remember your mother telling you to "Sit up straight!" - Well, she meant it. Bad or poor posture puts a strain on the neck, shoulders and back.

Regular breaks, stretching before, during and after work and regular exercise can all help maintain a healthy body and manage the symptoms of an RSI/CTD injury.

Answer 5

I absolutely LOVE these.

Answer 6

Microsoft's Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 has wrist rest built-in, and it's worth every penny. I personally like it better than Elite, which I use with wrist pad. So, to answer your question, yes, you should invest into a keyboard before your wrist start to hurt and yes, pads are effective. I also recommend trackballs over mice and a good chair, if you happen to use computer every day.