Cracking knuckles is harmful to joints and can lead to arthritis — this belief has existed for many decades. Here's what science says, writes BBC.
An unusual experiment was conducted by American physician Donald Unger. In his childhood, he often heard from his mother and other relatives that the habit of cracking knuckles would end in arthritis. So he decided to test it on himself.
For 50 years, Unger cracked the knuckles of only his left hand — at least twice a day. He didn't touch his right hand, so he could later compare the condition of the joints. At 72, he had X-rays of both hands. It turned out that there were no signs of arthritis in either hand, and no significant difference between them was found either.
However, this experiment cannot be called a full-fledged scientific study, as Unger himself was the only participant.
Where does this sound come from?
When a person bends or stretches a finger, the pressure inside the joint changes. Gas bubbles form in the synovial fluid, and their sudden bursting creates the characteristic cracking sound.
Arthritis does not develop from this
Studies have not found a link between the habit of cracking knuckles and osteoarthritis.
In one study, scientists compared older adults who regularly cracked their knuckles with those who did not. The incidence of degenerative arthritis in both groups was approximately the same.
Another study involving 215 patients with osteoarthritis also found no link: neither the frequency nor the duration of this habit throughout life affected the risk of developing the disease.
The myth that cracking weakens grip was also not confirmed. One old study did show such a connection, but later studies did not confirm it.
But you can still injure a joint
Normal knuckle cracking is considered relatively harmless. However, if a person tries to get a loud crack by applying great force or too sharply, they can damage the joint, ligaments, or tendons.
Specialists advise particular caution with the neck. Sharp and forceful neck cracking can lead to serious injuries.
If cracking is accompanied by pain or swelling — you should consult a doctor.
And there is no need to give up the habit merely out of fear of arthritis.
This phenomenon is quite common: according to studies, 20 to 50% of people have this habit. Many enjoy the feeling that accompanies cracking.
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