Wrist-related injuries are becoming more common in workers who use computers. With how important computers are, some might wonder how they can give their wrists some help. One way to do so is by using wrist rests. These rests can help reduce your chances of injury…
Wrist Rests: Possible Benefits
How they function
Wrist rests as a concept are pretty straightforward. Most injuries to the wrists happen due to the constant pressure placed on them as you work. Even just by typing or using your mouse, you place a lot of direct pressure on the wrist and nerves inside it. This is what can lead to pain and things like carpal tunnel.
A rest simply provides some extra support for your wrists. Usually, they do this by keeping your arm angled between 80-100 degrees. This extra leverage helps keep your wrists more supported and level, reducing the strain placed on them.
Effectiveness
There’s been a bit of a debate over how effective wrist rests are. On the one side, it is true that not having any support can lead to things like carpal tunnel. However, at the same time, rests could make someone place even more pressure on their wrists, due to thinking that they’re cushioned and safe.
Like with any safety gear, rests won’t work as well if used improperly. Therefore, workers have to be careful not to lean too heavily on them. Furthermore, they should also make sure things like their chairs are properly adjusted to help with this.
What to look for
When looking for wrist rests, there’s a few things to consider. For example, and ideal rest will sit at the back of the palm, rather than on the wrist directly. You also don’t want to get a rest that is too small. Ideally, it should match the keyboard or mouse to the point where your arm is kept level.
You may also want to consider the material inside the rest. Firmer rests tend to have standard cushioning, whereas softer ones have memory foam. Depending on your preference, you should consider what rest will work for you.