Many people crack their knuckles every day. Many parents tell their children it’s bad and that it will give them arthritis down the road. But what does the science say? We will sort out fact from fiction about this everyday habit.
Joints contain synovial fluid. This fluid is a natural lubricant. Inverting your fingers creates negative pressure in the synovial fluid, and gas bubbles form and pop within the fluid. The popping is what you hear and what creates the cracking sound.
Doctor Donald Unger conducted a unique test. He cracked the knuckles of his left hand every day for fifty years. He never cracked the knuckles of his right hand. Both hands remained fundamentally healthy, and he developed no arthritis in either hand.
Research studies do not support that knuckle cracking leads to arthritis. One study included 215 participants. The incidence of arthritis in the knuckle cracking group was similar to the non-knuckle-cracking group. The raters of arthritis in the knuckle-cracking group was 18.1%, and the ratings for the knuckle non-cracking group were 21.58%. The 3.3% difference was statistically insignificant.
Cracking knuckles may weaken your grip strength a bit. It may cause a mild degree of ligament stretching. In some individuals, the skin on their knuckles may become thickened. Generally, these occurrences are harmless and resolve on their own.
The biggest reason for individuals developing arthritis as they age is simply the process of aging. Having a previous injury to the joint makes an individual susceptible to developing arthritis. Genetics and family history has the largest impact. Being overweight puts tensile pressure on the joints an individual uses. These actual factors cause problems with the joints.
The warning about developing arthritis is simply false. It is simply one of those old myths in medicine. Studies have proven this. You can rest assured and help relieve the concerns of parents.
It is necessary to see a doctor, if there is pain. If there is swelling or redness, see a doctor. If the joint becomes stiff and cannot move as well, this warrants concern. These are all symptoms of some issue, unlike cracking.
Science certainly supports knuckle crackers. Knuckle cracking does not lead to arthritis. Enjoy yourself and fulfill the habit without concern. Instead, focus on your true health concerns. Stay at a healthy weight and avoid injuries.
Also Read: Is Your Body Aging Too Soon? Make It Iron-Strong With These Habits
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