Expert Advice by Dr. Vishal Sahni, Shoulder and Upper Limb Specialist – London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur

In today’s digital world, whether you are working from home or at the office, prolonged use of the computer mouse is unavoidable. But with this daily activity comes a hidden problem—hand pain caused by mouse overuse. This pain might start as a mild discomfort and gradually progress to severe pain, tingling, numbness, or even loss of grip.

If you’re in Nagpur and experiencing hand pain from continuous mouse usage, Dr. Vishal Sahni, a senior orthopaedic doctor and shoulder specialist, provides expert consultation and treatment at the London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli.

Let’s understand the causes, symptoms, and most importantly—how to fix hand pain caused by mouse usage.

1. What Causes Hand Pain from Mouse Use?

When your hand is placed on the mouse for hours without a break, it causes repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Your wrist, fingers, forearm muscles, and even your shoulder can be affected due to poor ergonomics.

Common Causes:

• Improper mouse grip
• Wrist extension for long hours
• Repetitive clicking or scrolling
• Unnatural hand posture
• Tight hand muscles or nerve compression
• Using a mouse that’s too large or small

2. Symptoms of Mouse-Related Hand Pain

Hand pain doesn’t always show up suddenly. It builds up gradually and can affect your daily productivity.

Look out for these symptoms:

• Pain in fingers, especially index and middle finger
• Tingling or numbness in hand
• Pain that radiates to the wrist or elbow
• Swelling or stiffness around the knuckles
• Difficulty gripping objects
• Weakness in the hand
• Clicking or snapping sound in joints

If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention. Ignoring hand pain can lead to chronic tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

3. Ergonomic Mistakes You Might Be Making

Even the best mouse won’t help if your workstation isn’t ergonomically correct.

Top ergonomic mistakes:

• Mouse placed too far from the keyboard
• No wrist or palm support
• Desk or chair height mismatch
• Working without breaks
• Using laptop touchpad continuously

Solution: Redesign your workspace based on ergonomic principles. Small changes can prevent big problems.

4. How to Fix Hand Pain from Using a Mouse?

Let’s now move to the core of this blog—practical ways to reduce and eliminate hand pain caused by mouse usage.

a) Adjust Mouse Position and Grip

• Keep the mouse close to your body.
• Use your whole arm to move the mouse—not just the wrist.
• Avoid gripping the mouse too tightly.
• Choose a mouse that fits your hand size.

b) Use an Ergonomic Mouse

Ergonomic mice are designed to support the natural shape of your hand. Some types include:

• Vertical mouse
• Trackball mouse
• Contoured mouse with palm support

These reduce stress on tendons and nerves.

c) Keyboard and Mouse Alignment

• Keep the keyboard and mouse at the same level.
• Your elbow should be bent at 90 degrees while using the mouse.
• Avoid extending your wrist upwards.

d) Take Frequent Breaks

Follow the 20-20-20 rule:
Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.

Also, do hand stretches every hour.

5. Hand Stretches and Exercises to Relieve Mouse Pain

Incorporate the following therapeutic exercises into your routine.

Wrist Flexor Stretch

• Extend your arm in front, palm up.
• Use your opposite hand to gently pull fingers down.
• Hold for 15–20 seconds.

Wrist Extensor Stretch

• Extend your arm in front, palm down.
• Gently pull the fingers back.
• Hold for 15–20 seconds.

Finger Stretch

• Spread fingers wide, then slowly close into a fist.
• Repeat 10 times.

Nerve Gliding Exercises

Prescribed by your orthopedic specialist to relieve nerve entrapment.

Dr. Vishal Sahni may recommend custom physiotherapy based on your condition.

6. Ice, Rest, and Medication

If you already have pain or inflammation:

• Apply ice pack to reduce swelling (15 mins, 2-3 times daily)
• Avoid excessive clicking or typing
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine (consult your doctor before use)
• Use a splint or wrist brace if suggested by your orthopaedic doctor

7. When to See an Orthopaedic Doctor?

If your symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen, it is time to consult a hand and upper limb specialist like Dr. Vishal Sahni in Nagpur.

You may be experiencing:

• Tendonitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
• Trigger Finger
• Nerve compression

London Orthopaedic Clinic provides complete evaluation, diagnostics (X-ray, Nerve conduction test, MRI), and personalised treatment.

8. Preventive Tips for Long-Term Relief

Avoid recurrence of hand pain with these preventive steps:

✅ Choose the right mouse

Ensure it suits your hand size and supports a relaxed grip.

✅ Maintain neutral wrist position

Your wrist should neither bend up nor down.

✅ Invest in a mouse pad with wrist support

It provides cushioning to reduce pressure.

✅ Use keyboard shortcuts

Reduces the need to overuse the mouse.

✅ Switch hands occasionally

Train your non-dominant hand to use the mouse.

✅ Regular physiotherapy

Periodic check-ups and muscle strengthening can help in the long term.

9. Treatments Offered at London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur

Under the expert guidance of Dr. Vishal Sahni, our clinic offers:

• Clinical Evaluation of Hand and Wrist Disorders
• Customised Physiotherapy Plans
• Ergonomic Counselling
• Pain Management Techniques
• Advanced Imaging (MRI, X-rays)
• Non-Surgical and Surgical Options

Whether it’s early-stage pain or chronic nerve entrapment, timely intervention ensures faster recovery.

10. Why Should You Visit a Hand, Elbow, and Shoulder Specialist for Mouse-Related Hand Pain?

You might think hand pain from mouse use can be fixed at home, but in many cases, it needs medical attention—especially if the pain becomes persistent or severe.

A specialist orthopedic doctor like Dr. Vishal Sahni, who focuses on shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand conditions, offers the right diagnosis and advanced treatment for the exact cause of your pain.

Here’s why visiting a specialist makes a difference:

• A general doctor may offer temporary relief, but a hand specialist treats the root cause
• You get accurate clinical diagnosis (whether it’s tendonitis, nerve compression, or carpal tunnel)
• You’ll receive a personalised rehab plan including therapy and lifestyle advice
• Early intervention from a specialist prevents the condition from becoming chronic
• Access to non-surgical treatments, physiotherapy, and ergonomic support in one place

Instead of living with recurring pain, consult a shoulder–elbow–hand specialist for long-lasting relief.

11. What Are the Risks of Ignoring Hand Pain Caused by Mouse Use?

Ignoring or self-medicating mouse-related hand pain can be risky. What starts as mild discomfort can progress into more serious problems.

Here are the key risks:

• Chronic pain that affects daily activities
• Loss of grip strength or difficulty in lifting things
• Nerve damage due to untreated compression
• Development of conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendonitis, or Trigger Finger
• Pain that starts spreading to the wrist, elbow, or even shoulder
• Sleep disturbances due to pain or numbness at night
• Permanent functional limitations if left untreated

It’s always better to treat the issue in early stages. Regular computer users should be especially careful about repetitive strain injuries.

12. How Does a Hand Specialist Help in Treating Mouse Hand Pain?

Visiting a qualified orthopedic hand specialist brings you one step closer to pain-free living. At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni provides holistic treatment focused not only on relieving pain but also on restoring hand function.

Here’s what a hand specialist offers:

• Detailed assessment of your hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder
• Nerve and tendon function testing (Nerve Conduction Study, EMG)
• Identification of posture or ergonomic issues causing your pain
• Custom treatment plan including splinting, rest, ice therapy, medication, and exercises
• Physiotherapy supervision for long-term rehabilitation
• Minimally invasive procedures, if needed, for conditions like carpal tunnel or tendon inflammation
• Workstation ergonomics advice to prevent recurrence

Remember, mouse-related hand pain is not just a tech problem—it’s a musculoskeletal health issue, and needs expert care.

13. Why Choose Dr. Vishal Sahni for Hand Pain Treatment in Nagpur?

• 24+ years of international orthopaedic experience (India & London)
• Specialist in shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand disorders
• Personalised consultation and patient-friendly approach
• Ethical and accurate diagnosis with long-term care
• Located in the heart of Dhantoli, Nagpur
• Trusted by thousands of happy patients across Maharashtra

Final Thoughts

Mouse-related hand pain may seem like a minor issue at first, but if left untreated, it can significantly affect your work and daily life. The good news is that with ergonomic adjustments, exercises, and medical guidance from an experienced orthopaedic doctor like Dr. Vishal Sahni, you can recover fully and prevent it from returning.

Don’t ignore the signs. Your hand health matters.

If you’re looking for the best orthopedic doctor near you in Nagpur, visit:

📍 London Orthopaedic Clinic
Ground Floor, Berar House, Mehadia Square, Dhantoli, Nagpur
📞 9529552938
🌐 www.londonorthopaedicclinicngp.com

FAQs – Hand Pain from Using a Mouse

1. Why does my hand hurt after using a mouse for a long time?

Hand pain after prolonged mouse use is usually due to repetitive strain on your hand and wrist muscles. Constant clicking, poor wrist posture, and tight grip on the mouse lead to muscle fatigue and inflammation in tendons or nerves.

2. How can I reduce hand pain caused by using a mouse?

You can reduce mouse-related hand pain by using an ergonomic mouse, maintaining a neutral wrist posture, taking frequent breaks, and doing regular hand stretches. If the pain persists, consult an orthopedic specialist.

3. What is mouse hand syndrome?

Mouse hand syndrome refers to pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers caused by repetitive use of a computer mouse. It is a type of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) commonly seen in desk workers.

4. Is hand pain from mouse use serious?

If ignored, hand pain from mouse use can become serious and lead to chronic issues like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Tendonitis. Early treatment and ergonomic correction are essential.

5. Which doctor should I consult for hand pain due to mouse usage?

You should consult an orthopedic doctor who specialists in hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder problems. In Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni at London Orthopaedic Clinic is a highly experienced hand and upper limb specialist.

6. Can a hand specialist treat mouse-related hand pain?

Yes, a hand specialist can accurately diagnose the cause and offer customised treatment like physiotherapy, splinting, medications, or minor procedures to relieve pain and prevent recurrence.

7. What are the signs of nerve damage in the hand from mouse use?

Signs include tingling, numbness, burning sensation, hand weakness, or pain that worsens at night. These symptoms may indicate nerve compression and need medical evaluation.

8. What is the best mouse for preventing hand pain?

An ergonomic mouse like a vertical mouse or trackball mouse supports natural hand posture and reduces wrist stress. Choose one that fits your hand comfortably and allows relaxed movement.

9. How do I hold a mouse to avoid wrist pain?

Hold the mouse gently, not tightly. Rest your hand fully on the mouse, keep your wrist in a straight line, and move the mouse using your arm—not just your wrist.

10. Can wrist braces help with mouse-related hand pain?

Yes, wearing a wrist brace helps keep the wrist in a neutral position and reduces pressure on tendons and nerves, especially during long working hours or sleep.

11. Are there exercises for hand pain caused by mouse use?

Yes, stretches like wrist flexor and extensor stretches, finger spreads, and nerve gliding exercises can reduce stiffness and improve flexibility. These should be done regularly or under physiotherapy guidance.

12. Can carpal tunnel syndrome be caused by mouse use?

Yes, prolonged use of a mouse in a poor wrist position can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is compressed, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.

13. What is the fastest way to relieve mouse hand pain?

Immediately rest your hand, apply an ice pack for 10–15 minutes, avoid mouse usage, and do gentle stretches. If pain continues, consult an orthopedic doctor for treatment.

14. Should I stop using the mouse completely if my hand hurts?

You may need to stop temporarily if pain is severe. But in the long term, ergonomic correction, a proper mouse setup, and medical guidance allow you to use it safely again.

15. How long does mouse hand pain take to heal?

If treated early with rest, therapy, and ergonomic changes, pain may improve in 1–2 weeks. Chronic conditions might take several weeks or months depending on severity.

16. Can mouse-related hand pain spread to the shoulder or elbow?

Yes, the pain can travel up the arm and affect the elbow or shoulder due to nerve irritation or muscle overuse. A full-arm evaluation is needed if pain spreads.

17. Is mouse hand pain common among office workers?

Yes, it’s very common among IT professionals, designers, students, and anyone using a computer for long periods without proper hand support or breaks.

18. What happens if mouse hand pain is not treated?

Untreated pain can lead to chronic inflammation, reduced hand function, nerve damage, and difficulty in daily tasks like writing or gripping. Early treatment avoids complications.

19. Can I use my left hand for mouse to reduce pain in right hand?

Yes, switching hands occasionally gives your dominant hand rest. You may need a few days to adjust, but it’s a helpful trick to avoid overuse injuries.

20. Do I need surgery for mouse hand pain?

In most cases, surgery is not required. However, if pain is due to severe nerve compression (like advanced carpal tunnel), minor surgical procedures may be considered.

21. Where can I get the best treatment for hand pain in Nagpur?

You can visit Dr. Vishal Sahni at London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli, Nagpur, for expert diagnosis and personalised treatment for hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder pain caused by mouse use.

📍 Ground Floor, Berar House, Mehadia Square, Dhantoli, Nagpur
📞 9529552938
🌐 www.londonorthopaedicclinicngp.com