60 like 14 dislike
in General Factchecking by Newbie (490 points)
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​
ago by Newbie (490 points)
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This fact-check effectively confirms that cracking your fingers does not cause arthritis, a claim supported by a credible medical source. The article also highlights potential risks like reduced grip strength and tissue irritation. While the provided source is strong and includes a detailed medical explanation, incorporating additional sources and direct quotes could further strengthen the argument. More perspectives would add depth and reinforce the credibility of the claim. Overall, this is a well-supported fact-check!
ago by Newbie (430 points)
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This is something that at first glance I thought could be true. After reviewing the article, it is clear that this claim is not true. There are some downsides to cracking your knuckles, but not large enough like causing arthritis. Other sources would probably provide similar, if not the same information.
ago by Newbie (290 points)
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This is a very clear and straight foward answer that includes all components of a well rounded fact check. Great work!!
ago by Newbie (330 points)
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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.
ago by Novice (740 points)
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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.

108 Answers

23 like 0 dislike
by Novice (960 points)
selected by
 
Best answer

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 

True
by Newbie (320 points)
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Thank you for your response. It shows that you took the time to dive deep into the claim and find study that supports the claim that arthritis isn't caused by cracking knuckles. Your decision to research found by a doctor proves it is a strong source.
ago by Novice (520 points)
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this is a great fact check because you cite a good reputable source that is trusted.  The information provided is also great information to take into account and it would be difficult for anyone to argue against this claim.
ago by Newbie (390 points)
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Your fact check is very well researched and your usage of several sources helps support the claim that cracking your knuckles does not cause arthritis. I like that you used several reliable sources to support the claim. Also you gave a very good explanation and expanded on your reasoning. Job very well done!
ago by Novice (550 points)
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Your fact check was done very well, you incorporated credible sources as well as adding scientific support. One thing that you could add to make your fact check perfect is adding more credible sources to make the reader trust the factcheck as well as having another source to go to if they themselves are feeling skeptical.
ago by Novice (850 points)
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Yeah, totally agree! Research from legit sources like PubMed is super reliable since everything is peer-reviewed and backed by solid evidence. The study’s findings about how high-conflict divorces can seriously affect kids' mental health are pretty eye-opening. It really makes you think about how important support systems are for kids going through that.
13 like 0 dislike
by Novice (640 points)
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/
True
by Novice (700 points)
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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.
by Newbie (460 points)
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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.
by Newbie (380 points)
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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.
by Novice (510 points)
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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.
by Novice (530 points)
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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
by Newbie (310 points)
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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.
by Newbie (320 points)
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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
ago by Newbie (390 points)
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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.
8 like 0 dislike
by Apprentice (1.8k points)
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
by Novice (670 points)
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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.
by Apprentice (1.0k points)
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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.
by (170 points)
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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!
by Newbie (360 points)
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This was a great effort at fact-checking, and you provided a strong resource to support your answer.
by Newbie (360 points)
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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.
by Newbie (310 points)
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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.
7 like 1 dislike
by Newbie (420 points)

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

by Novice (740 points)
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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!
by Novice (760 points)
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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!
by (100 points)
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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!
by Newbie (460 points)
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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!
by Newbie (260 points)
1 0
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.
by Novice (510 points)
1 0
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!
ago by Newbie (370 points)
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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!
ago by Novice (520 points)
0 0
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.
6 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (370 points)
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.
ago by Newbie (460 points)
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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.
5 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (400 points)
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
by Novice (880 points)
1 0
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.
by Newbie (260 points)
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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!
by Newbie (360 points)
0 0
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.
1 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (320 points)

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/

ago by Newbie (460 points)
0 0
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.
2 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (340 points)

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/

by Newbie (370 points)
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Nicely put, I like that you cited your source and explained your answer. Good job! I feel educated, thank you.
by Newbie (340 points)
0 0
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!
by Novice (700 points)
0 0
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.
by Novice (500 points)
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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.
1 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (420 points)

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 

False
0 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (360 points)

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

by Novice (560 points)
0 0
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.

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