Does regular knuckle-cracking really lead to arthritis?


Knuckle-cracking is a common habit. Picture courtesy: Twitter/@WVortho

We all crack--and pop--our knuckles often enough. This may be because of habit, or because we think some knuckle-cracking might help relieve us of some joint pain. But, attention regular knuckle-crackers and poppers! We have news for you--knuckle-cracking is not always BAD. In fact, some of researches approve of this practice.

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Here is some science for you--apparently, there is a space between our joints that is filled with a liquid that goes by the name of synovial fluid, which funnily enough, looks like an egg yolk. That liquid is responsible for the friction in our joints. The said fluid consists of gases like carbon dioxide, oxygen and nitrogen.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/highlive

So, when we crack our joints, that includes knuckles as well, we stretch out that space and consequently, a vacuum-like pressure is created that sucks in the synovial fluid. As a result , bubbles are formed, which in turn collapse quickly, leading to the sound that we hear when we crack our knuckles.

Also, interesting fact: an average human being cannot crack the same joint without a break of at least 20 minutes. Yeah, we said WOW too.

Although knuckle-cracking and popping is generally considered safe in medical circles, one can never be too sure. So, people, if you continue experiencing pain, the best thing to do is visit a doctor.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/loco

However, according to an article published on the subject in Harvard Health Publications, knuckle-cracking doesn't increase the risk of arthritis, contrary to popular opinion.

A Noble award winning medical researcher, Donald Unger, as part of an experiment, popped the joints in one hand, while leaving the other un-popped for 60 years. This was done to find out whether knuckle-cracking and popping is directly related to arthritis or not. And guess what the result of the experiment was... NO arthritis. Yep, you read that right.

So, guys, all we can say is this--do 'this' at your own risk, or at least DON'T OVERDO it, and of course, consult a doctor if things start getting out of hand.

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