Over the last few months, I’ve started noticing pain in the medial palm of my right hand after using the trackpad on my 2-year-old 15-inch MacBook Air. It seems to come from the sharp edges along the front of the laptop pressing into my hand during use. Has anyone else experienced this? Are there any solutions or adjustments that have helped? It’s becoming pretty uncomfortable.
MacBook Air 15″, macOS 15.5
You might try simply using an external keyboard and trackpad or mouse when working with the laptop at a desk.
They can be connected either by USB or Bluetooth to your MacBook.
Aside from that I see no other solutions.
You might try simply using an external keyboard and trackpad or mouse when working with the laptop at a desk.
They can be connected either by USB or Bluetooth to your MacBook.
Aside from that I see no other solutions.
if you use your computer for longer than casual use, you need to have it placed at a proper ergonomic height.
The computer should be placed at a height so that when typing, your WRISTS are in a "neutral" position, neither bent backward nor forward.
Resting your wrist on the leading edge of the computer suggests that the height you are using is much too high. Professional typists traditionally used a typewriter surface lower than standard desk height. As others have already suggested, an external keyboard (and possibly trackpad/mouse as well) might help get that typing/mousing position to where it needs to be.
NB>> If you fail to take action to get your wrists to a neutral position, the discomfort you are experiencing now will seem trivial compared to what follows. You are risking one or several long term repetitive strain injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Once these set in, they are extremely difficult to overcome, and much more painful.
Whenever issues like this arise, Apple Support urges you to contact Apple Support by telephone for more complete guidance.
If you are in the US, that is 1-800 APL-CARE
1-800-275-2273
otherwise, use this link to get the number for your region:
Contact Apple Support - Apple Support
<< the sharp edges press against the hand during prolonged trackpad use. >>
Apple spends a huge amount of time making their products "user-friendly". If they EVER imagined that it was ordinary or appropriate way of using your computer, there would be a broad, smooth curved edge exactly where you are comparing about.
This is not a defect in the product.
It's YOU.
Stop doing that!
Get that device moved down to a better height, or use a pointing device that can leave your wrist in "neutral".
shlomo116 wrote:
the pain is not there when i type it is there when i use the mouse pad and i use it often for highlighting.
That is still a very similar issue.
Whenever issues like this arise, Apple Support urges you to contact Apple Support by telephone for more complete guidance.
If you are in the US, that is 1-800 APL-CARE
1-800-275-2273
otherwise, use this link to get the number for your region:
Contact Apple Support - Apple Support
shlomo116 wrote:
I compared my older MacBook to my newer one and noticed that the newer model has significantly sharper edges. I work in the medical field, so I’m confident this isn’t a joint or muscle issue. It really seems related to the design and how the sharp edges press against the hand during prolonged trackpad use. Has anyone else experienced this, and is there a practical solution?
If this was a design issue these communities would be filled with posts similar to yours. Millions of people use Macs every day. The issue appears to be one caused by misuse (hand position) or medical issue such as skin sensitivity. But we users can only recommend you contact Apple for further assistance, adjust your hand position when using the computer, or seek medical advice if the issue is related to a medical condition.
If this just started happening maybe you should see a medical professional. The edges of the computer have not become sharper "over the past few months". Millions of Mac computers are used every day without users experiencing your symptoms.
I compared my older MacBook to my newer one and noticed that the newer model has significantly sharper edges. I work in the medical field, so I’m confident this isn’t a joint or muscle issue. It really seems related to the design and how the sharp edges press against the hand during prolonged trackpad use. Has anyone else experienced this, and is there a practical solution?
Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Community.
We want to make sure you reach the right team for help with your device. We recommend that you contact Apple Support directly. Depending on your region, you may be able to reach them here: Get Support.
+1 🙂
the pain is not there when i type it is there when i use the mouse pad and i use it often for highlighting.
or this will be in your future:
That is, until your carpal tunnel surgery is scheduled, followed by a very long rehabilitation period.
Hand pain while using macbook air. Sharp computer edges
