Posted By Caroline James During a DSE assessment I was doing recently it was mentioned that, owing to having larger than average hands, using a mouse for any length of time resulted in pains in the joints of the fingers and hand. I recommended a larger mouse but when our normal purchase catalogues were searched there was no reference to the size of the mouse, only the functions and whether it was designed for left or right hand use. Has anyone else come across this problem and if so can they point me in the direction of a supplier of larger mouses, mice or meeces?

Posted By John Ridd Whilst a change in the size of the mouse may well reduce the problem, the more common cause of any mouse related hand/arm fatigue/pain is extended use (and probably in an awkward posture). Do also consider the type of work - is it all emails, spreadsheets or graphics where the mouse is the predominant 'animal'? If so, ensuring that mouse work is intrerrupted by other non VDU tasks is likely to be most effective. If mouse work can't be avoided, encourage symptomatic users to swap between right and left hands; get them to learn to use more keyboard commands; by any means possible, reduce exposure to the affected limb! If these methodological approaches are ineffective try a range of (non keyboard)input devices - e.g. the MouseTrapper, Tracker balls, touch pads and yes different sizes and shapes of mice. One thing is certain - the solution to one person's problem is going to be different to another's.

Posted By Laurie Caroline I have recommended a trackball with good results, these do vary a little in size. I use one myself at home and in two offices and can recommend them Laurie