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

• Elbow or forearm resting for long periods of time on hard or sharp edges of workstation or on armrest of chair
  • Pad or round surfaces, corners, armrests
• 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 actually keying/mousing; alter slope of keyboard — flat or tilted slightly away from user is best (avoid tilting towards user as this extends wrists)
• Wrists or palms resting on hard or sharp keyboard or work surfaces
  • Pad or round surfaces, edges, corners, etc.; try a wrist rest
• 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