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

The belief that cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis is a pretty common myth. According to the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, there is no evidence that knuckle cracking causes arthritis or other joint damage. Similarly, the Department of Orthopedics at UAMS Health states that while knuckle cracking may cause temporary joint soreness, it does not and will not lead to arthritis. Therefore, cracking your knuckles does not cause arthritis.

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The belief that cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis is a pretty common myth. According to the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, there is no evidence that knuckle cracking causes arthritis or other joint damage. Similarly, the Department of Orthopedics at UAMS Health states that while knuckle cracking may cause temporary joint soreness, it does not and will not lead to arthritis. Therefore, cracking your knuckles does not cause arthritis.

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

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

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After reading this fact and learning about it in the link included, I learned that arthritis doesn't come from cracking your knuckles. But it can cause injury. I saw that your headline was a false headline but your evidence to go with it was all true.

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Initially, it's important to note that this article and its claim is relying on a well-known and credible source, which allows us to view this claim through a different lense. This article claims the myth that cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis is just that; a myth. According to Eric M. Ruderman, (a rheumatologist at Northwestern Medicine), there is truly no connection between cracking knuckles and arthritis because it is just the expulsion of gas bubbles.

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While the concern that cracking your knuckles can lead to long lasting effects such as arthritis is valid, there has been no known correlation between cracking your knuckles and arthritis.

"The relation of habitual knuckle cracking to osteoarthrosis with functional impairment of the hand has long been considered an old wives' tale without experimental support. The mechanical sequelae of knuckle cracking have been shown to produce the rapid release of energy in the form of sudden vibratory energy, much like the forces responsible for the destruction of hydraulic blades and ship propellers.

There was no increased preponderance of arthritis of the hand in either group; however, habitual knuckle crackers were more likely to have hand swelling and lower grip strength. Habitual knuckle cracking was associated with manual labour, biting of the nails, smoking, and drinking alcohol. It is concluded that habitual knuckle cracking results in functional hand impairment."

This quote taken from a study by the National Library of Medicine explains what the popping sound in knuckle is caused by, and how knuckle cracking does not cause arthritis, although it can increase chances in developing functional hand impairment.

"Repetitive and intentional joint cracking won't cause cartilage damage or arthritis, but it may lead to other serious issues like instability within the joint and a loss of grip strength or hand function."

This excerpt from CentraCare also explores the possibility of repeated knuckle cracking leading to lower and function.

In short, cracking your knuckles will not lead to arthritis, but can lead to a loss in hand function .

https://www.centracare.com/articles-stories/cracking-knuckles-cause-arthritis
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1004074/

Answer 1

This claim is false. According to the Johns Hopkins article while you may "have reduced grip strength compared with people not cracking their knuckles" it does not give you arthritis. Another source to back it up is Eric M. Ruderman, MD, a rheumatologist at Northwestern Medicine saying, “The truth is there is no connection between cracking your knuckles and arthritis — or any other long-term health problem”. Furthermore it can lead to more fragile joints however it doesn't result in arthritis. Meaning while it's not great to crack your fingers there is not correlation to arthritis. 

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

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/can-you-get-arthritis-from-cracking-your-knuckles#:~:text=“The%20truth%20is%20there%20is,cracking%20your%20knuckles%20and%20arthritis. 

Answer 2

The claim appears to be false. The article cited in the claim is from John Hopkins Arthritis Center, who claim that there is no proof that links arthritis to knuckle cracking. The article also suggests a genetic predisposition for those who develop arthritis, while acknowledging that wear and tear is also a factor in causing arthritis. This source seems reliable, as it is published by an accredited university, nevertheless it is necessary to double check. 

The NIHL, a U.S. government website, states that knuckle cracking causing arthritis is an “old wives' tale without experimental support”. They evaluated a sample of 300 people of varying age and sex for knuckle cracking and arthritis, finding no correlation between the two. The University of Arkansas for Medical sciences also states there is no evidence to support this claim, stating only that knuckle cracking may cause joint soreness temporarily. Tufts medicine claimed the same, citing genetics as the main cause. There appears an abundant selection of medically credible sources disproving this claim, so no, cracking your knuckles does not cause arthritis. 

Sources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1004074/

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

https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/medical-myths-cracking-your-knuckles-causes-arthritis

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

Answer 3

No, cracking your knuckles does not give you arthritis. The popping sound also called "crepitus" is actually popping gas bubbles, said here can-you-get-arthritis-from-cracking-your-knuckles. There is no facts between arthritis and cracking your knuckles at all, that is simply made up. I agree with what is said here that someone saying that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis is probably trying to find a reason to get you to stop. 

Answer 4

According to northwestern medicine there is no connection between cracking your knuckles and arthritis. The noise that comes from cracking your knuckles or “crepitus” is caused by popping gas bubbles in the fluid that lubricates our joints. The action of popping your knuckles releases endorphins that help reduce pain.

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/can-you-get-arthritis-from-cracking-your-knuckles#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20truth%20is%20there%20is,cracking%20your%20knuckles%20and%20arthritis.

Answer 5

This claim is false. According to Northwestern's medicine page, arthritis has no link to arthritis. In the article it states, " The popping noises or “crepitus” are caused by bursting gas bubbles in the fluid that help lubricate your joints. "  Therefore, the popping noise is just gas bubbles, and overtime there is no risk of getting arthritis. Other websites say the same thing. Specifically the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. They state the same thing that there are no side effects to cracking knuckles and no link to arthritis. I chose these two articles they are both from reliable universities. And as someone who cracks there knuckles this is definitely nice to hear because it feels good and is something I tend to do everyday. 

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

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/can-you-get-arthritis-from-cracking-your-knuckles#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20truth%20is%20there%20is,cracking%20your%20knuckles%20and%20arthritis.

Answer 6

Throughout my life I have always heard people saying this myth, and I always remembered researching it and never really being able to find a legitimate answer. Although this claim sounds like it could be true, it is false. With researching this claim Arthritis is not caused by just cracking your finger nails. 

When researching this claim, one of the first reliable sources, Mayo Clinic, showed that it was incorrect. In the article, surgeon Dr. Sanj Kakar explained that half of the population cracks their fingers some frequently, others rarely. He describes the sound as a result of tribonucleation, where air bubbles form and pop in the synovial fluid of finger joints. Research indicates that repeated knuckle cracking may cause thickened cartilage, it also can have an effect on grip strength, or function. According to Dr. Kakar, “If they find it's annoying, then stop. But, otherwise, if it’s causing no pain to them, really, I don’t think they’re doing any harm. I occasionally do it myself, and I’m a hand surgeon.”(Mayo Clinic).  Similarly, Harvard Health supports the claim that there is no correlation between knuckle cracking and arthritis, stating that there is no actual harm to the joints when cracking fingers.. They explain that “...the bubbles pop when you pull the bones apart, either by stretching the fingers or bending them backward, creating negative pressure.”(Harvard Health).  Lastly, another article by the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center also reinforces that habitual knuckle cracking does not increase the likelihood of developing arthritis. They also talk about how there is not really a relation between knuckle cracking and arthritis but in a study they found, “...after many years of cracking habitual knuckle crackers may have reduced grip strength compared with people not cracking their knuckles.” (John Hopkins Arthritis Center). 

To bring this claim to conclusion, I have found three reliable sources that show that this claim is not accurate. Although this is a common myth that many people believe, it is easy to say with this research that there is no real correlation between cracking in the fingers and arthritis. All of the articles came to the result that cracking fingers can cause joint pain and finger mobility weakness. 

Sources-

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

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

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-a-hand-surgeons-advice-about-knuckle-cracking/

Answer 7

This statement is False. The action and sound of cracking your joints release gas, which lubricates the joints. Dr. Ruderman, a rheumatologist, found no long-term health problems associated with cracking joints. All that is seems to do is to relieve temporary pain or immobility. The only negative result that can happen when cracking your joints is temporary soreness.

Northwestern Medicine: https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/can-you-get-arthritis-from-cracking-your-knuckles#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20truth%20is%20there%20is,cracking%20your%20knuckles%20and%20arthritis.

Answer 8

The claim is in fact correct. He’s right, arthritis is not caused by cracking your fingers. The source he uses is from John Hopkins Medicine, and a quote reads “There is no evidence that cracking knuckles causes any damage such as arthritis in the joints.” It’s a very common myth that many people in America believe to be true. Somerset Hills Chiropractor is quoted saying “no connection exists between cracking knuckles and arthritis." With the amount of evidence, I can happily say my years of cracking have lead to no arthritis.

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

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

Answer 9

The claim that cracking your fingers causes arthritis is false. According to the Arthritis Foundation, there is no scientific evidence linking habitual knuckle cracking to arthritis. The popping sound associated with cracking fingers is caused by the release of gas bubbles in the synovial fluid, not by any damage to the joints. The Arthritis foundation states, “The common belief that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis is a myth.” However, excessive knuckle cracking may lead to weakened grip strength or mild hand swelling over time, but it does not contribute to arthritis development.
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/does-knuckle-cracking-cause-arthritis

Additionally, a study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism examined individuals who frequently cracked their knuckles over long periods and found no increased risk of developing arthritis compared to those who did not crack their knuckles.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1121878/

This claim is false, as multiple sources confirm that there is no connection between knuckle cracking and arthritis. However, excessive cracking may have minor negative effects, so moderation is recommended.

Answer 10

This claim is a common misconception that remains false. Cracking one's knuckles has no correlation to the development of arthritis. 

Joints, including knuckles, are surrounded and oiled by a fluid called synovial fluid. This fluid helps protect the ends of bones and reduces friction during movement. When cracking your knuckles, it causes the joints to pull apart and create a gas bubble. The popping noise created by the action of cracking knuckles are the sounds of gas bubbles bursting in the joint. Though this sound may be alarming, there is no extreme harm to cracking knuckles other than tentative soreness.

However, if an individual is already suffering from osteoarthritis, the constant cracking of knuckles will wear down the joints and the cushion supplied by the synovial fluid. "This means individuals who currently have osteoarthritis, caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, could worsen their symptoms by cracking their knuckles repeatedly. However, cracking your knuckles plays no role in rheumatoid arthritis, which is caused when a person's own immune system attacks their joints. (UAMS Health)" There is no direct link to the development of arthritis when cracking your knuckles, but could worsen symptoms of those who have been diagnosed with it.

Arthritis can be developed through other factors. Arthritis is the inflammation of joints, it can cause pain, stiffness, reduced ability to move the joint, redness of the skin around the joint, etc. "There are more than 150 different types of arthritis. The cause of some forms is unknown, but arthritis can also be the result of disease, infection, genetic defect, injury, or overuse. Arthritis affects more than 50 million adults in the United States and is the nation's most common cause of disability. (Penn Medicine)"

Overall, there are many causes to the development of arthritis, but cracking your knuckles is not one of them.