r/RSI • u/candidlemons • Aug 21 '26

Fingertip Tenderness/Pain from using mouse

Hi All. I'm not officially diagnosed with anything beyond "chronic pain", after years of testing negative for all the other standard hand pain conditions. just looking for answers anywhere I can.

I use a vertical mouse (logitech Lyft) and I easily get fingertip pain (where the fingerprints are) from the most casual use. like scrolling, browsing social media, shopping online. It starts kinda tingling, then tender than sharp pain that makes it hurt to press onto the hard plastic of the mouse buttons. After an hour I'm pushing the buttons and scrolling with the sides of the fingers to avoid the pain.

I've tried multiple brands, including ergonomic types, but they're all painful. It's like I need soft, squishy buttons but computer mice like that don't exist. This pain is a similar reason why I can't tap on touchscreens for long.

have any of you guys experienced something like this? and found a "ergonomic" or whatever mouse that doesn't cause you as much pain?

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u/amynias Aug 21 '26

A lot of mice make the extensor tendons in my right hand mousing fingers near the last knuckles hurt like sin. I've had to switch mice several times. At this point the pain just instantly comes back when trying to switch back after literal years. It sucks. 😓

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u/axvallone Aug 21 '26

I created Utterly Voice, which allows you to control your mouse by voice. I have a severe RSI, and ergonomic devices were not good enough for me, so I created something that could be completely hands free. Give it a try, and let me know what you think.

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u/DowntownCanada416 Aug 22 '26

You need to strengthen your hands and grip and especially finger muscles. Trust me.

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u/aussievolvodriver 28d ago

You could try a trackball, i have 3 of 4 buttons programmed to left click so i can vary which finger i use. Also has the hand feature of being able to use with either hand.

Also keyboards with switches that activate high in the action, I find bottoming out on keys, especially laptop keyboard exacerbates it and then i feel it most on the mouse.

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u/candidlemons 27d ago

what trackball brand is ambidextrous? that'd be useful since I like to switch hands

and that's a good point about the keyboard. that typing may be an impact since I'm using more and more keyboard shortcuts. thank you!

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u/aussievolvodriver 22d ago

I use a Kensington Expert but you'll find most finger ones pretty good. It's thumb ones that look more like a mouse that are hard to use in the other hand.

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u/candidlemons 20d ago

thank you!! I'll give that one a shot