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Jun 27, 2017 · Knuckle cracking is not harmful, but it can make cartilage thicker, according to a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon. He advises habitual crackers to stop if it bothers others, but not if it causes no pain.
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Jul 6, 2020 · Learn the truth and the myth behind the debate on whether cracking knuckles causes arthritis. Find out how knuckle-cracking works, what are the possible drawbacks, and how to prevent inflammation.
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Jan 6, 2023 · Contrary to popular belief, knuckle cracking isn’t a dangerous habit. Studies show that, done correctly, it doesn’t cause arthritis or joint enlargement.
- Overview
- What the research says about knuckle cracking
- Complications of cracking knuckles
- What causes knuckle cracking
- Breaking the habit
- Outlook
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Overview
You may have heard that knuckle cracking causes arthritis, but there’s no evidence to support this claim. Knuckle cracking may lead to other issues, though. Keep reading to learn more about this habit and why you may want to cut back on the knuckle cracking.
Several studies have been done to determine if knuckle cracking is associated with arthritis. To date, no link has been found.
In one report, researchers from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences examined a group of 215 people. Twenty percent of them said they cracked their knuckles regularly.
Results showed 18.1 percent of those participants who cracked their knuckles and 21.5 percent of those who didn’t had arthritis in their hands. The investigators concluded that the chance of having arthritis was about the same in both groups.
In 1998, Dr. Donald Unger performed an informal study that was published as a letter to the editor in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism. As part of his experiment, the doctor cracked the knuckles on his left hand at least twice a day for 50 years, while leaving the knuckles on his right hand alone to serve as a control.
Dr. Unger estimated that the knuckles on his left hand were cracked at least 36,500 times. In his letter, he concluded that after 50 years, neither of his hands showed symptoms of arthritis, and there were no differences between the two hands.
The results of a study published in 2017 agreed with Dr. Unger’s conclusions. Researchers found knuckle crackers had the same level of physical function as those who didn’t crack their knuckles.
Knuckle cracking doesn’t cause arthritis, but some research suggests the habit may not be completely harmless.
If a joint gets locked when it pops, knuckle cracking could lead to injuries in your hand.
A study conducted in 1990 showed chronic knuckle cracking may affect hand health. Researchers looked at 300 participants and found those who cracked their joints had a higher rate of inflammation and a weaker grip.
This finding is controversial, however. Newer research published in 2017 concluded that knuckle cracking didn’t affect grip strength.
You should see a doctor if you experience the following from knuckle cracking:
•pain
Until recently, researchers believed that the sound of knuckle cracking came from a bubble that was popped when parts of the finger separated.
A study published in 2015 challenged this theory. Researchers used MRI scans of fingers as they were cracked in real time and found the noise happens due to the formation of a cavity in the joint.
There’s no specific treatment for knuckle cracking. Sometimes, it may become an obsessive habit. In this case, you might want to talk to your doctor about different therapies that could help you cope with knuckle cracking.
If you have a habit of cracking your knuckles and would like to stop, try the following:
•Keep your hands busy: Twirl a pencil or a coin to occupy your hands and help you forget about cracking your knuckles.
•Distract yourself: When you feel like cracking your knuckles, stop what you’re doing and move on to a different activity.
•Use the rubber band method: Some people report success with breaking bad habits, such as knuckle cracking, by tying a rubber band around their wrist and snapping it whenever they are about to engage in the act.
•See a professional: If knuckle cracking is interfering with your life, you might need professional help to deal with the habit. A doctor or therapist may offer you certain forms of behavioral therapy.
If you crack your knuckles, there aren’t any serious health effects to worry about. In fact, some people report relief when they pop their knuckles.
The habit won’t lead to arthritis, though it may affect hand grip strength. If the habit begins to affect your daily life, talk to your doctor about behavioral therapy.
Knuckle cracking does not cause arthritis, but it may lead to hand injuries or inflammation. Learn about the research, complications, and how to stop the habit.
- Julie Marks
Mar 14, 2019 · Cracking your knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis or harm your joints, according to research. However, it may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as arthritis or gout, if it’s painful or swollen. Learn why people do it, how to stop, and when to see a doctor.
Jan 26, 2021 · While many of us enjoy cracking your knuckles every now and again, it can actually wreak havoc on your joint health and even increase your risk of developing arthritis. Learn more about why you should nip this bad habit in the bud.
Mar 2, 2023 · More specifically, knuckle cracking does not cause arthritis. Joint "cracking" can result from a negative pressure pulling nitrogen gas temporarily into the joint, such as when knuckles are...
