A wrist rest is a padded support placed immediately in front of a keyboard or mouse, designed to provide comfort during long periods of computer use. This accessory appears to be a simple solution, yet its reputation among ergonomics experts is sharply divided. Whether the device is helpful or a source of injury depends entirely on how the user incorporates it into their daily routine. The correct application is often misunderstood, leading many people to use it in a way that creates more strain than it relieves.
The Intended Function of a Wrist Rest
The support’s purpose is not to be a constant platform for your wrist while actively typing. Instead, it is correctly viewed as a “palm rest” because it cradles the heel of the hand. Its function is to provide a place for your hands to rest during short pauses or idle moments away from the keys. This temporary support allows the muscles in the forearms and shoulders to relax between bursts of typing.
The ergonomic benefit comes from maintaining a neutral wrist posture when your hands are not floating over the keyboard. A neutral position means the wrist remains straight, avoiding bending upward (extension) or downward (flexion). By supporting the fleshy part of the palm during breaks, the rest prevents the hands from drooping toward the desk surface, which would force the wrist into an extended angle.
The Risk of Improper Usage
The most damaging mistake is using the rest to support the actual wrist joint while typing. Resting the underside of the wrist directly on the pad applies sustained pressure to the delicate structures passing through the carpal tunnel. This area contains the median nerve and numerous tendons, which are sensitive to external compression. Localized pressure on this soft tissue can restrict blood flow and irritate the tendons.
This pressure, combined with the repetitive motion of striking keys, can contribute to serious conditions, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. When the wrist is pressed down, the tendons and nerves are compressed against the underlying bones, increasing inflammation and discomfort. Furthermore, planting the wrist forces the typist to pivot their hand from a fixed point, requiring small, repetitive sideways movements that increase strain and fatigue. The support is counterproductive if it becomes a pivot point for active typing.
Correct Application and Technique
To use a wrist rest correctly, adhere to two fundamental rules regarding position and timing. First, the rest should only make contact with the heel of the hand during brief pauses, such as when reading text or pausing to think. While actively typing, your hands should hover slightly above the rest, allowing free movement of the entire arm. Movement for reaching distant keys should come from the elbow and shoulder, not from bending the wrist.
Second, the rest must be appropriately sized and positioned relative to the keyboard. The top surface should be level with or slightly lower than the front edge of the keyboard to maintain neutral wrist alignment. A rest that is too high forces the wrist into an upward-bent angle, causing extension and increasing strain. Selecting a firm material, such as dense foam or gel, helps support the palm without encouraging resting the sensitive wrist joint.
Holistic Ergonomics Beyond the Rest
The wrist rest is a single component of a larger ergonomic puzzle that contributes to a healthy workstation. Posture factors are more important in preventing repetitive strain injuries. The correct height of your office chair and desk is paramount, ensuring your elbows are bent at a comfortable angle, ideally between 90 and 120 degrees. This positioning allows your forearms to be parallel to the floor, which promotes a neutral wrist alignment.
The monitor should be positioned so the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. This prevents the user from hunching or tilting the neck, which transmits tension down to the shoulders and arms. Taking micro-breaks is an effective strategy for injury prevention. Standing, stretching, and momentarily stepping away from the desk every 30 to 60 minutes relieves static muscle load, a major contributor to discomfort.