Knuckle cracking is a common habit that many people have. People crack their knuckles for various reasons, such as relieving stress, boredom or simply because it feels good.

However, there are long-standing myths about the effect of knuckle cracking on the joints. One of the most prevalent is that it causes arthritis. In this article, we will take a closer look at the truth behind knuckle cracking and arthritis.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a joint disorder that causes inflammation in one or more joints in the body. This inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

There are different types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the entire body and causes inflammation in the joints.

What causes arthritis?

The exact cause of arthritis is not known, but there are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These include:.

Age
Family history
Gender
Injury or overuse of joints
Obesity

Does knuckle cracking cause arthritis?

Many people believe that knuckle cracking causes arthritis. This is a myth that has been around for a long time, but there is no scientific evidence to support it.

Studies have been done to investigate the link between knuckle cracking and arthritis, and no connection has been found.

The sound of knuckle cracking comes from gas bubbles that form in the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. When the joint is pulled apart, these bubbles pop, causing the cracking sound.

The act of cracking the knuckles does not cause any damage to the joints themselves.

Are there any risks to knuckle cracking?

While knuckle cracking does not cause arthritis, there are some risks associated with the habit. Frequent knuckle cracking can lead to reduced grip strength and swelling in the hands.

In rare cases, it can also cause dislocation or damage to the tendons that support the joint.

Should I stop cracking my knuckles?

Whether or not you should stop cracking your knuckles is a personal decision.

If you find that your knuckle cracking habit is causing discomfort or swelling in your hands, or if you’re concerned about the risks associated with the habit, you may want to consider stopping. However, if it’s a harmless habit that doesn’t cause any problems, there’s no harm in continuing.

Conclusion

The idea that knuckle cracking causes arthritis is a myth that has been around for a long time. While there are risks associated with the habit, there is no evidence to suggest that it causes joint damage or arthritis.

Ultimately, the decision to crack your knuckles or not is up to you.