Does cracking your knuckles cause arthritis nhs

Aug 13, 2018 Kyle Beswick

Have you ever heard the myth that cracking your knuckles breaks the bones of your deceased loved ones? Or that the number of noises you hear when you twist, pull, and bend your fingers reveals how many people are in love with you?

"The noise of cracking or popping in our joints is actually nitrogen bubbles bursting in our synovial fluid."

There’s a long list of myths and superstitions about knuckle cracking, but the one you probably heard most often was delivered by irritated parents or teachers when you were a kid: Cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis.

We asked Dr. Robert Klapper, orthopaedic surgeon and co-director of the Joint Replacement Program, to explain what actually happens when you hear your joints snap, crack, and pop.

"The noise of cracking or popping in our joints is actually nitrogen bubbles bursting in our synovial fluid," says Dr. Klapper.

According to Dr. Klapper, synovial fluid lubricates your joints like motor oil in a car's engine, reducing friction and preserving our cartilage. The nitrogen bubbles within the synovial fluid usually take 20 minutes to re-form in your joints before they can crack again.

Part of the appeal of knuckle cracking could be that 20-minute lull, when gas bubbles are re-forming in the synovial fluid. You might feel looser during that period, as if you’ve relieved pressure from your joints.

But the satisfaction is mostly in your head.

"Feeling good after cracking your knuckles is a psychological experience," says Dr. Klapper.

Maybe it’s the fun sound of cracking joints, or maybe it's the perceived sense of relief: For some people, knuckle cracking becomes a daily habit. Does repeated knuckle cracking then lead to arthritis like the superstition says?

"Cracking your knuckles does no harm at all to our joints," says Dr. Klapper. "It does not lead to arthritis."

According to Dr. Klapper, knuckle cracking itself does no harm to your fingers, neck, ankles, or other joints that pop and crack throughout the day—whether from normal day-to-day motions or compulsive habits like pressing our knuckles or twisting your neck until you hear that familiar crack.

However, if you experience discomfort while cracking, then there could be a pre-existing condition that is aggravated by twisting and pressing the joint.

If you don’t experience pain while knuckle cracking, then you’re free to indulge yourself.

"Pain, swelling, or limited motion are signs that the joint has damage—possibly from arthritis, trauma, or gout," says Dr. Klapper.

If you don’t experience pain while knuckle cracking, then you’re free to indulge yourself, even if your occasional snapping, cracking, and popping sometimes startles those around you.

"Some of us are just noisier than others when our joints crack," says Dr. Klapper. "It's all good."

Why Cracking Your Knuckles is Bad for Your Joints

While many of us enjoy cracking your knuckles every now and again, it can actually wreak havoc on your joint health and even increase your risk of developing arthritis. Learn more about why you should nip this bad habit in the bud.

What Actually Makes Your Knuckles “Crack”

The “cracking” sound that you hear when you hear when you apply pressure to your knuckles is actually caused by bubbles in your synovial fluid bursting from the added pressure or by pulling your bones apart. This synovial fluid is responsible for lubricating your joints.

Why People Crack Their Knuckles

Studies have shown that more than 50% of people crack their knuckles regularly, which can be caused by a multitude of reasons. Some of the main reasons people enjoy indulging in hearing these pops and cracks include:

• They enjoy the sound.
• They like the feeling of released tension.
• It’s a nervous habit.
• Some people do it to relieve stress.

How it Affects Your Joints

Although cracking your knuckles regularly can be relatively harmless, it can also cause damage if it’s done incorrectly or too frequently. If you pull or crack your knuckles incorrectly, you can actually cause a ligament injury or even dislocate your fingers. If you notice sudden pain or swelling after cracking your knuckles, you may have caused an injury to your joint ant you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

Cracking your knuckles consistently can also wear away the cartilage in your joints over time, resulting in pain-causing inflammation within your joints.

Orthopedic Care in Bishop, CA

At Northern Inyo Healthcare District, our team of orthopedists take a holistic approach to care, focusing on you as a whole person rather than specific symptoms or conditions. Whether you’re suffering from aches and pains or mobility issues, we’re here to help improve your quality of life.

For more information about the orthopedic services at Northern Inyo Healthcare District or to schedule an appointment, call (760) 873-2605.