Gel Pad
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 Cycling Bike Bicycle half finger gloves Blk MTB Bone XL  US $18.00
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 Serfas Gel Bike Short Liner Mens M Black US $19.95
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 Abetta Synthetic saddle 15 with gel shock absorbing saddle pad US $270.00
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 3D Silicone Gel Pad For Cycling Bike Shorts Pants S1P US $7.50
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 Active Soft Gel Saddle Pad any discipline US $75.00
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 Craft Pro Race Bib Shorts Black with Chamois Large New US $95.00
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 GEL English Half Pad White Reduces Shock US $32.50
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 Equi Gard Covered Gel Backpad Aerogel NIP Starting Bid is 50 off Retail US $65.00 |
 BELL GEL FUSION BICYCLE SEAT PAD GUC US $3.99
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 Mongoose bmx gel knee and elbow pads US $4.99
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 AVENIR COMFY GEL Womens Cycling Gloves XS Pair All Purpose Bike Bicycling NEW US $3.97
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 Trico Sports Painkiller Saddle Pad Small US $9.99
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 Fox Racing Mens Reflex Gel Full Finger Glove Green Size XL X Large MTB Road US $32.95
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 Fox Racing Mens Reflex Gel Short Finger Glove Green Size XL X Large MTB Road US $29.95
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| The Outdoors Advice Blog |
Ergonomics: Wrist Pads, Gel Pads Do not Prevent Carpal Tunnel
Here is a news flash, Wrist Pads and Gel Pads are not proven to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). In fact, they may actually make matters worse. To understand this better, one needs to know what Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is. Since I like to get right to the point, I will explain it in one sentence. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is when constant pressure and repetitive movements or stresses cause the "tunnel" of bones and ligaments in your wrists to narrow, which pinch the nerves that pass through the "tunnel". This pinching of nerves can cause numbness, pain, and damage to your hand.
The carpal tunnel in your wrist is actually quite tight. There is very little room for anything but the tendons and nerves that pass through it, so any additional pressure, from say, a wrist pad for your mouse, will increase the chance that the median nerve in your hand gets pinched and irritated. Repetitive movements and stresses could cause your tendons to swell, which would just make matters worse.
Tips to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
1. Try not to rest your wrists directly on any surface while typing or using a mouse
2. Take frequent breaks when doing anything repetitive, like working on the computer, typing, playing video games, etc.
3. Try to find a sitting position with your elbows at your sides, and your keyboard straight out, level with your elbows.
4. If you MUST use a wrist pad, do not press into it or put weight on your hand. In fact, try not to touch it at all.
More information on CTS Prevention can be found here.
One of the fundamental ways to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is actually to make sure your computer desk has an elbow-level keyboard tray. The tray should be low enough so that you can adjust your seat height to form a 90 degree angle at your elbows. In this position, you will be able to sit and work longer, with improved comfort. No wrist pad required.
Unfortunately, the Wrist Pad myth is everywhere. If you do a quick search on the Internet, you will find a lot of people peddling Wrist Pads and Gel Pads as something that can improve comfort, relieve stresses, and prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Do not believe it. Your wrists will thank you!
About the Author
Tec_VD has been an article writer for Visiondecor since 2004 and contributes to their furniture blog.visiondecor.com on a weekly basis. His interests include health awareness and environmental awareness, and off-beat news and tips for the family. His favorite room in the house is the bedroom because it's where you can have solidarity.
I bought a gel mouse pad and the part that supports your hand is so hard it does more harm then good...?
How do I soften the gel part of the mouse pad? I've tried beating it with a hammer, folding/tearing/twisting and smashing it. I'm out of ideas, how do I make it so that it doesn't hurt my wrist anymore?
I was just told to put it through a washing machine by a friend of mine, is this a way to go? I really don't know if I want to try that, but then again anythings worth a try at this point.
Sounds like you bought a cheap one and got ripped off! Haha.
you could try tearing the fabic and taking out the gel and boiling it to soften it then stiching or putting the fabric back together after you have softened it.
Instead of spending money on these mouse pads maybe put your chair higher or lower so you arm is level with your hand.
Or stop being lazy and having to rest you wrist on something 
.
