The following lists some possible causes of wrist/hand/forearm/elbow discomfort amongst computer users. Potential corrective action to consider are also listed.

• Hands/arms (elbows, forearms, wrists, etc.) resting for long periods of time on hard or sharp edges of workstation or on armrest of chair
  • Use padded or round surfaces for corners/edges/armrests; use wrist rest when not mousing/typing.
• Prolonged keying or mousing with wrists extended or flexed
  • The keyboard height may be too low or too high; ensure there is some space (2-3″) or a wrist rest to help keep wrists straight when not actively keying or mousing; avoid resting the wrists on these surfaces while keying/mousing; alter slope of keyboard — flat or tilted slightly away from user is best (avoid tilting towards user as this extends wrists).
• Rapid, sustained or prolonged periods of keying or mousing
  • Schedule regular breaks to shake and stretch out hands, arms, shoulders; incorporate other tasks into the workday.
• Forceful keying
  • Habit training — use a light touch.
• Gripping mouse or pointing device too tightly
  • Habit training — grip lightly; also try to adjust mouse sensitivity, mouse buttons should click easily with little pressure required.
• Hands held over keyboard even when not actively keyboarding
  • Wrist rest or space on work surface to rest wrists and keep them straight.
• Significant amounts of stapling, paper punching, lifting or other forceful exertions, especially combined with awkward postures
  • Use mechanical aids such as lifting devices, electric stapler or punch; decrease size of loads; keep load close to body at about waist or hip height.
• Prolonged mouse use
  • Alternate hands (careful! – if the root of the problem is not solved, the user may end up with both hands affected); alternate pointing devices; provide arm support; locate device close to body; task variety.