By cracking your fingers you start to develop Arthritis

Question

Cracking your knuckles does not give you arthritis. The popping sound is connected to the formation and bursting of gas bubbles in your joint fluid. No studies have demonstrated an increased risk of arthritis, but frequent knuckle cracking may slightly reduce grip strength or irritate surrounding tissues​

Comments

This is a very clear and straight foward answer that includes all components of a well rounded fact check. Great work!!

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This fact check is effective in supplying an answer to whether or not the claim is true. However, the factchecker only looks into the resource mentioned within the initial claim and does not do any outresearch to support their fact-check. If they were to find another source or two to support their fact checking it would be much more effective.

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This fact-check does a great job of debunking the myth that cracking your fingers causes arthritis, backing it up with a credible medical source. It also points out other potential risks, like reduced grip strength and tissue irritation. While the source is solid and provides a thorough medical explanation, adding more references and direct quotes could make the argument even stronger. Bringing in multiple perspectives would add depth and further validate the claim. Overall, this is a well researched and well supported fact-check.

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I completely agree with this statement. I went through your source which was very reliable and proved many facts and data that I saw through different sources as well. It can be concluded that the two are not connected.

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While it may seem like cracking your knuckles is bas for them, based off of how it feels and sounds, there has actually been no evidence found that suggests that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis. There was actually a study done by a man who only cracked the knuckles on one of his hands for many years and found that there was no difference between the two, which suggests that cracking your knuckles does in fact not cause arthritis.

Answer 1

The claim of this John Hopkins article is that that cracking your fingers does not in fact lead to arthritis. They state that it may cause reduced grip strength but arthritis is not an effect of cracking knuckles. This claim is supported by a Harvard Study. Harvard Medical School states that "Cracking your knuckles may aggravate the people around you, but it probably won't raise your risk for arthritis. That's the conclusion of several studies that compared rates of hand arthritis among habitual knuckle-crackers and people who didn't crack their knuckles." The John Hopkins article is written by Dimitrios Pappas, who's a trusted Rheumatology Fellow of Johns Hopkins University. After fact checking, I would say this article is factual so therefore, while it may not be great for you, cracking your knuckles should not result in arthritis. 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/does-knuckle-cracking-cause-arthritis 

Comments

Overall, I agree with your claim that cracking knuckles does not lead to arthritis. I appreciate how you highlighted that many studies showed that cracking knuckles does not do any true harm. You did a good job at citing both John Hopkins and Harvard. They are both very reliable and credible sources that have great information. One thing you could add to this factcheck is more extensive information about why it is not bad for you. The evidence is good but overall, it could use more specific information. You could also add more engaging text to interest the reader.

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I was impressed and appreciated that you followed the original source, despite the original being legitimate, to their source. Johns-Hopkins and Harvard are both highly accredited institutions, and since their primary goal is to do research and share it, they're less likely to be biased and more research focused. You could add further research from other institutions, or follow Dimitrios Pappas work further to see if there are any motivators for him to share anything that supports an agenda or marketing scheme.

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I appreciate how you debunked the claim, but also stated that there's a link to grip strength - adding variety to the discussion. I also like that you related it to a separate source by Harvard, which makes your response more credible. It's also insightful that you researched the author of the John Hopkins article and found that his writing is truthful, which further develops the credibility of your response.

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You did a great job clearly summarizing the claim and backing it up with credible evidence. Your use of both Johns Hopkins and Harvard Medical School adds strong reliability, since both are respected medical institutions. You also effectively included the author’s credentials, which strengthens your evaluation of credibility. One area to improve would be to briefly explain why people often believe cracking knuckles causes arthritis — for example, to show how this myth contrasts with the scientific evidence. Overall, your paragraph is clear, factual, and well-supported, showing strong critical thinking and source evaluation.

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This claim is false. According to Northwestern Medicine, “The truth is there is no connection between cracking your knuckles and arthritis — or any other long-term health problem,” says Eric M. Ruderman, MD, a rheumatologist at Northwestern Medicine”. The popping sound you may hear when cracking your knuckles is simply the “bursting gas bubbles in the fluid that help lubricate your joints”, these bursting gas bubbles have not been found to cause any long-term negative effects. The action of cracking your knuckles can release endorphins, and therefore lead to a little pain, this does not mean you are going to end up with arthritis.
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/can-you-get-arthritis-from-cracking-your-knuckles

Arthritis in the fingers does have a multitude of causes, however, none of them are cracking your knuckles. According to Medical News Today, typing, assembly line work, knitting/crocheting, and playing musical instruments are some of the main causes of arthritis. Furthermore, “Previous injuries to the fingers, such as dislocations or fractures, can increase the risk of developing arthritis”. Injuries, genetic components, and underlying conditions are the causes. This is because arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage within joints, something that cracking your knuckles does not cause. Thankfully, there are many ways we are able to actually prevent arthritis, such as, wearing protective gloves, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting frequent exercise.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-causes-arthritis-in-fingers#risk-factors

Answer 2

The claim that cracking your fingers leads to arthritis is a common myth. A notable study published in the "Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine" examined the effects of knuckle cracking over a long period and found no correlation between the habit and the development of arthritis. The lead researcher, Dr. Donald Unger, famously cracked the knuckles of one hand for over 60 years while avoiding it in the other, ultimately concluding that it did not result in arthritis. However, habitual cracking can potentially lead to other issues, such as soft tissue swelling or decreased grip strength over time. So, while it may be annoying to some, cracking your knuckles does not appear to cause arthritis. It is generally harmless, but moderation is key!

https://somersethillschiropractic.com/blog/myth-buster-cracking-joints-and-arthritis/

Comments

the point about "soft tissue swelling or decreased grip strength" is interesting, but a bit underdeveloped. Are there any specific studies backing this up or is it more of a theoretical risk? Adding more detail here could make your factcheck stronger.

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This is a good answer as you provide a reputable article and have evidence for your answer to the claim. Multiple other studies also say that cracking your fingers won't cause arthritis it is just the fluid between your joints. I think your answer is clear and concise.

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This was such a good way of swaying someone where you mentioned that the doctor was cracking his knuckles for over 60 years and did not end up with arthritis.

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This is a great fact check and I love the source that was provided. This is such an interesting study how the researcher only cracked one hand for 60 years straight. This evidence has been different from the rest and proves clearly that this claim is true and doesn't give you arthritis.

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You gave an excellent breakdown of the myth that knuckle cracking causes arthritis! It was really  interesting and shocking to see that Dr. Donald Unger tested this theory on his own hands for over 60 years?! As someone who cracks their fingers, it's good to know it doesn't cause arthreitis but to still be aware of the other potentially harmful side affects of cracking fingers

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I liked the information you provided to back up the claim that cracking knuckles does not cause arthritis. Although Dr. Unger tested the myth of this claim over the span of 60 years, I wonder if throughout that time the myth was disproven and therefore ending the purpose of his study. The dedication is impressive, however, I am interested to see the research to prove that reduced grip strength is caused by repeatedly cracking knuckles.

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This is a phenomenal fact check you sharded with us. I'd like to add that when you said cracking your fingers does not in fact lead to arthritis and the article states that it may cause reduced grip strength, but arthritis is not an effect of cracking knuckles, I found an article that states inflammation to that joint is also a risk

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This is a very good fact check. I do think it would be helpful to elaborate on your sources and the reliability of them. But you did a good job of explaining your conclusion and also gave further information on how it may not cause arthritis, but it can still cause harm. Overall, job well done.

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This is a moderately strong fact check. You used a good example from the author of your article cracking his knuckles on one hand for 60 years and describing how it can cause tissue swelling and loss of grip, but not arthritis. However, having another source would have helped your claim be more precise and your fact check would benefit from extra information.

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I agree with your factcheck, however I think when checking something medical like arthritis you need more than one source and especially need a direct medical source. A normal article does not seem adequate here, ideally it should be something from a journal or study.

Answer 3

Exactly as you said in your post it is a myth that by cracking your knuckles gives you arthritis. In the John Hopkins article, it goes over the facts that there is no true evidence that suggests a correlation between the two. Also, the Harvard Health article I found goes over the same topic and that knuckle cracking may be a habit to let go of. This is because it is found that people tend to have worsened grip strength and there have been some other related injuries due to knuckle cracking.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/does-knuckle-cracking-cause-arthritis

Comments

Well-corroborated fact check! I also appreciate your notion of other potential risks associated with knuckle cracking, as that nuance is important to the issue at hand.

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I think you did a good job fact checking. You added good evidence on why the claim is true. Claim without evidence is worthless.

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This is a great response and a well-thought-out fact-check. I am intrigued by the other article relating to the topic and how people's grip strength has worsened over time. I am also wondering how someone could injure themselves by cracking their knuckles!

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This was a great effort at fact-checking, and you provided a strong resource to support your answer.

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This is a very well done fact-check! I enjoy how you explained the effects that cracking your knuckles may cause and why it is a bad habit, but does not necessarily lead to arthritis. I also believe you chose a very credible article to help further support the initial claim.

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This fact-check was very thorough. Much of the articles I found about knuckle cracking in correlation to arthritis stated similar information about repeated cracking can cause reduced grip strength. Harvard is a good source to go to when fact-checking because they are known to be a reliable source. It is good that you addressed the original claim's article to verify their information.

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This is a great fact check! I like how you talked about that how cracking your knuckles doesn't exactly lead to arthritis and its more of a bad habit that can lead to worsen grip strength. I think the sources are reliable.

Answer 4

While commonly believed to be true, cracking your knuckles does not cause arthritis, as stated in the claim above. Harvard says several studies show no correlation between the rat e of arthritis and whether or not you crack your knuckles. The sound that is produced comes from the release of air from the bubbles in the synovial fluid. While reduced grip strength is a common side effect, cracking your knuckles will not cause arthritis.

Harvard

Comments

You seem to know what you are talking about but throwing in Harvard with no direct quote or information doesn't make this very reliable. Your information otherwise is good!

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This fact check does include a reputable name but no link or citation of a specific study which makes the point unreliable and the lack of statistics or even a quote adds to it lacking credibility. I would recommend going deeper on every point you made,  adding more scientific facts or quotes to back up your claims!

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Nice fact check! To make it even better, you could reference numerous sources. Although Harvard Health is very notable, it is always good to mention a couple of sources instead of one to ensure your ideas have a strong basis and public support!

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Your fact check seems a bit off, I believe you are headed the right direction but you seem to not link sources and talk about Harvard with no references. I know that from one read it seems like a simple claim to agree with but try finding outside resources and linking your findings. Maybe a new point of view or findings on this topic!

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Great job using real evidence like what cracking knuckles actually means pertaining to the body. However, you said "Harvard says" but you do not specify who from Harvard or where you got this information from Harvard, so I would state that.

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This fact check definitely needs some physical evidence or quotations that are from the source. Otherwise this fact check is lacking in support of your claim. You are definitely in the right path, just need more sources and evidence!

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You're on the right track, but this fact check needs some solid evidence—like direct quotes or physical proof from the original source—to really back up your claim. Without that, it feels a bit ungrounded. Just add in more supporting details, and you’ll be golden!

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This fact check is reputable and provides a source that has a lot of information on the topic. It is apparent that the poster did their research and posted a helpful rundown of what actually happens when you crack your knuckles. The sensation may be odd, but it is nothing to be concerned about.

Answer 5

Cracking your fingers will not give one arthritis, when once cracks a finger the sound is cause by gas bubbles in the joint collapsing with each other. Dr Donald Unger participated in an experiment of kracking his knuckles on one hand for 60 years and left the other fingers alone and there was still no difference.

Comments

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/crack-research/

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I think your fact check is pretty solid because you have a source and explain the importance of it. I would work on next time maybe including an explanation on the credibility of the source or where the information provided is coming from.

Answer 6

According to an article by Dimitrios Pappas, a Rheumatology Fellow at Johns Hopkins University, cracking your knuckles does not actually cause arthritis. While there is some evidence it may slightly reduce grip strength, arthritis isn’t linked to this habit. This claim is supported by research from Harvard Medical School, which states, "Cracking your knuckles may aggravate the people around you, but it probably won't raise your risk for arthritis." Harvard’s findings are based on multiple studies comparing hand arthritis rates between frequent knuckle-crackers and those who don’t crack their knuckles. After verifying the facts, it’s safe to say that while cracking your knuckles might not be ideal, it’s unlikely to lead to arthritis

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/does-knuckle-cracking-cause-arthritis

Comments

I think this is a very sufficient fact check. I like how you wrote a lot of this information in your own words, while also including a quote. The structure of your prose is solid and easy to understand, and the source you used was reliable, I believe this information to be true.

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I am convinced by your fact check. I like that you added evidence of other things that cracking your knuckles cause as someone may get that confused with it causing arthritis. Supporting Harvard's findings by adding that there were studies is a strong addition to your fact check as well. This is convincing!

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This is a great fact-check! I like the way that you made sure to explain who the writer of the linked article was as it shows how he is a reliable source and is giving factual information. I also like your use of quotations that help further support the claim.

Answer 7

By Cracking your knuckles you start to develop Arthritis that statement is not True. However the content  in the article is True. When I went to the John Hopkins source it says that There is no evidence of such an association. In limited studies performed there was no change in occurrence of arthritis between “habitual knuckle crackers” and “non crackers.” My source is John  Hopkins Arthritis Center. John Hopkins is a reputable Medical organization.    https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-news/knuckle-cracking-q-a-from/

Comments

You did a great job clarifying what was being said in the original post. I would recommend for next time trying to include a different source to compare to the original one. John Hopkins is a reputable medical organization but it's important in a fact-check to find another credible source to back up or criticize the original claim.

Answer 8

Cracking finger joints will not cause a person to develop arthritis. Arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, as stated by the University of Arkansas. When a person stretches their fingers, they can pop bubbles in the synovial fluid which creates the distinctive “pop” sound, as explained in the article from Harvard Health. This action might aggravate existing Arthritis but has no connection in causing it. There could be other negative side effects such as weakened grip strength, or simply public disturbance which might be why the rumor was originally started. 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/does-knuckle-cracking-cause-arthritis

https://uamshealth.com/medical-myths/will-cracking-your-knuckles-cause-arthritis/

Comments

Nicely put, I like that you cited your source and explained your answer. Good job! I feel educated, thank you.

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While there is no concrete proof that it causes arthritis, it is also true that the myth most likely developed as a result of popular irritation with the sound and worries about joint health. Your comment makes a lot of sense!

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You did a great job utilizing many different sources to prove the claim to be inaccurate. The sources you used as evidence were credible and relevant to the topic of how cracking your fingers does not lead to an individual developing arthritis.

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like how you mentioned that arthoiritis is a disease that a person develops by their immune system attacks the joints. also like how you added another source to support this fact.

Answer 9

The claim of this John Hopkins article is that cracking your fingers does not lead to arthritis. The article state that it may cause reduced grip strength but arthritis is not an effect of cracking knuckles. This claim is supported by the Harvard Study below. Harvard Medical School states that "it probably won't raise your risk of arthritis." After fact-checking, I would say this article is factual so therefore cracking your knuckles should not result in arthritis. 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/does-knuckle-cracking-cause-arthritis 

Answer 10

There is no scientific evidence that supports the claim that cracking your knuckles will help you develop arthritis. First, according to Harvard Medical School, when you crack your knuckles, the popping noise is cause by "bubble bursting in the synovial fluid". This does not cause arthritis, however the article does say that cracking your knuckles frequently can lead to reduced grip strength. There have also been cases that link knuckle cracking to injuries of the ligaments that surround your joints. This claim is false as there is no link between knuckle cracking and arthritis. 

Articles used:

https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-news/knuckle-cracking-q-a-from/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/does-knuckle-cracking-cause-arthritis

Comments

I think you did a really good job at fact-checking this claim! You used .edu and .org websites which are typically more credible and used articles from reputable and known institutions. Both in which supported the claim that cracking your knuckles actually do not lead you to developing arthritis.