Arthritis

Are you going to get arthritis if you crack your knuckles?

City Physio Adelaide explains

Many people wonder whether cracking your knuckles will lead to arthritis.

Research has concluded that there is no known connection between knuckle cracking and hand arthritis.

What causes knuckles to crack?

The popping and cracking noises that joints sometimes make is called crepitus. It’s caused by gas bubbles in the fluid surrounding your joints (known as synovial fluid) being released by movement of the joint.

Crepitus is harmless and usually doesn’t signal a health problem like arthritis—unless it’s accompanied by pain, swelling, or limited joint movement.

Why knuckle-cracking may not be a good idea

However, if you are a habitual knuckle cracker, there still may be a reason to rein in your cracking ways. One study that surveyed 300 patients found that, compared with those who didn’t crack their knuckles, the knuckle crackers had more swelling in their hands and had a weaker hand grip.

The study also found that those who habitually crack their knuckles were also more likely to engage in other nervous habits, like biting their nails. This suggests that you may be able to cut down on your knuckle cracking by following general advice on how to break nervous habits. This includes finding a replacement activity or visualizing ahead of time how you will react when temptation strikes.

But whether you regularly and intentionally crack your knuckles or just do it occasionally by accident, you don’t have to worry that it’s raising your risk for arthritis.

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