Cracking your knuckles can either be a bad habit or just a way of relaxing and releasing tension in your hands. However, most people have heard the negative consequences of this action such as arthritis, dislocation and decreased grip strength.

But is that true? What really happens when you crack your knuckles?.

The Anatomy of Knuckles

To understand what happens when you crack your knuckles, you need to have a basic idea about the anatomy of your fingers. The bones in your hands are connected with elastic tissue called ligaments.

Between each bone, there is a joint surrounded by synovial fluid. The fluid helps in the smooth movement of the bones. This fluid contains gases such as carbon dioxide, oxygen and nitrogen.

What Happens When You Crack Your Knuckles?

When you apply pressure to your knuckles, you increase the gap between bones at the joint. As a result, small bubbles are created within the joint fluid. The sound you hear when you crack your knuckles is caused by the bursting of these tiny bubbles.

A study published in 2015 in the journal PLOS One used ultrasound to observe the process of knuckle cracking. The study found that the crack sound is produced by the formation of a gas-filled cavity within the joint when the bones are pulled apart.

This cavity is then filled with synovial fluid which creates the cracking sound.

Is It Harmful to Crack Your Knuckles?

The myth that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis is not true. According to the Arthritis Foundation, there is no scientific evidence that supports this claim.

Related Article A video of what happens when you crack your fingers

Arthritis is a condition that occurs when the cartilage that cushions joints wears down, and cracking your knuckles does not cause damage to that cartilage.

The sound of cracking your knuckles is not harmful either. However, repeated cracking can lead to reduced grip strength and swelling in some people.

One study published in 1990 in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that people who frequently cracked their knuckles had a weaker grip than those who did not.

Cracking Knuckles Vs Arthritis

The noise you hear when you crack your knuckles is not the same as the sound produced when a joint shows signs of arthritis. The sound of cracking is sudden, whereas the sound of arthritis is a continuous grinding or creaking sound.

In addition, arthritis is often accompanied by joint pain, stiffness and swelling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while cracking your knuckles may be disturbing to others, it does not pose any serious health risks. For most people, the popping sound is just a harmless habit.

However, if you notice any pain or swelling after cracking your knuckles, it is advisable to see a doctor to rule out any underlying joint condition.