Buy an ergonomic mouse to reduce RSI symptoms

Most computers come with a mouse, but some people find them difficult to use. In some cases motility issues cause problems, while for others repetitive strain type injuries may be an issue.

Thankfully there are a wealth of computer input devices that will control a mouse pointer like a mouse, but are easy to use in cases of motility impairment or RSI.

Note - before buying a mouse make sure you know what type of mouse connector your computer uses!

Most computers are compatible with USB port enabled mice, although older PCs commonly use the PS/2 connector. If you're short of USB ports in which to plug in a mouse then it's possible to extend the number of USB ports a computer has by buying an inexpensive USB hub.

People find it natural to write with a pen, so it's logical to see why a pen shaped mouse would be a useful natural feeling computer input device. A mouse pen usually has a tiny mouse ball (like a ballpoint pen) in the tip, with buttons to control mouse clicking along the side of the pen.

Even if you don't have motility issues or RSI problems, a mouse pen is extremely good for controlling the mouse pointer in art and design computer applications. A mouse pen with a graphics tablet is especially good, and will vastly improve your drawing skills in packages such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

A mouse pen is also useful in places where there physically isn't room for a mouse, or for connecting to a laptop or portable computer.

Trackballs are useful input devices in that you can control your computer's mouse pointer without having to move your arm too much.

Trackballs often look like an upturned mouse (of the type with a moving ball, not an optical mouse!). The trackball itself is usually moved by the thumb, which causes the mouse pointer to move on the computer's screen. The trackball mouse usually has one or two buttons for operating the mouse clicking.

Manufacturers of trackball mice include Logitech (makers of the Trackman series of input devices) and Kensington. It's even possible to buy a keyboard with a built in trackball.

Trackballs are also supremely good for playing computer games based on Missile Command!

In my experience ergonomic mice may help relieve the symptoms of RSI, but they do not address the cause. Don't put up with RSI pain. Find out how I cured my severe RSI symptoms once and for all. I'll tell you that no ergonomic mice were involved!

If you've ever used a flight simulator then you'll be familiar with a joystick.

A joystick mouse allows the computer's mouse pointer to be moved without having to move your fingers too much.

The use of a joystick mouse allows the hand to be placed in a vertical position, which can reduce muscle strain and allow a more natural hand posture. Generally the mouse clicking is performed by a button at the top of the joystick.

Dan Powers is the author of Overcoming Repetitive Strain Injury, an eBook that describes how thousands of people have got rid of their RSI symptoms for good. For more information about how you can get rid of RSI problems once and for all visit http://www.cureyourrsi.com/