Have you ever heard the myth that hand cracks cause arthritis? It’s a common belief that cracking your knuckles or other joints in your hand will eventually lead to painful and debilitating arthritis. But is there any truth to this belief?.
The short answer is no – cracking your knuckles or other hand joints does not cause arthritis.
Where Did the Myth Come From?
The most likely explanation for this myth is the sound that is made when joints are cracked. When a joint is rapidly stretched, it can create a popping or cracking sound. This sound is caused by gas bubbles in the joint fluid.
When the joint is stretched, it causes the gas bubbles to rapidly collapse, which creates the sound.
Because this sound is often associated with pain or injury, people began to believe that cracking your knuckles or other joints would eventually lead to arthritis. However, this belief is not supported by scientific evidence.
What Does Cause Arthritis?
Arthritis is a complex condition that can have many different causes. Some factors that can contribute to arthritis include:.
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- Genetics
- Injury or trauma to the joint
- Age-related wear and tear
- Autoimmune disorders
Cracking your knuckles or other hand joints is not listed as a cause of arthritis on this list.
Should You Continue to Crack Your Knuckles?
If cracking your knuckles or other hand joints is a habit that you enjoy, there is no need to stop. While it may annoy others around you, it won’t cause arthritis or any other health problems.
However, if you experience pain or discomfort when cracking your joints, it may be a sign of an underlying issue such as joint hypermobility or arthritis.
Conclusion
Despite the common belief that hand cracks cause arthritis, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Arthritis is a complex condition with many different causes, and cracking your knuckles is not one of them.
If you enjoy cracking your knuckles or other hand joints, there is no need to stop – just be mindful of any discomfort or pain that may be a sign of an underlying issue.
