Does cracking knuckles cause arthritis? Experts debunk the myth

Cracking knuckles is the act of intentionally causing the joints in the fingers, particularly the knuckles, to make a popping or cracking sound. This is typically done by bending or stretching the fingers in a way that causes the gas bubbles in the synovial fluid within the joint to rapidly collapse, creating the audible sound.

Many people are obsessed with cracking and despite common misconceptions, cracking knuckles does not generally harm the joints or cause arthritis, as confirmed by scientific research. It is a habit or reflex that some people engage in for various reasons, including relief of tension or simply out of habit.

The pop sound that occurs while cracking knuckles is due to bubbles of nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide present in joint fluids of our body. A study featured in the Arthritis and Rheumatism journal has determined that there is no additional evidence supporting the development of arthritis in individuals who habitually crack their knuckles.

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