4 like 1 dislike
in General Factchecking by Newbie (340 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​
by (150 points)
0 0
The claim that this article states "Cracking your fingers does not give you arthritis" is a factual claim that is supported by the source that's provided. The article also states the possible risks of cracking your fingers, reduced grip strength and irritated tissue.

21 Answers

0 like 0 dislike
by Novice (940 points)

According to Harvard Health Publishing, cracking your fingers does not increase your risk for or cause arthritis. The pop sound that happens when you crack your fingers is due to air bubbles bursting in your finger joints when you stretch or bend your fingers. Even though you cannot get arthritis from cracking your fingers, you can lose good grip strength from constantly cracking your fingers and knuckles. Also, proven by UMAS Heath, the Department of Orthopedics found that there is no evidence that knuckle cracking causes arthritis.

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

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

False
0 like 0 dislike
by Novice (670 points)

Cracking your fingers does not lead to arthritis. There are no bad affects to cracking your fingers. people have been cracking there fingers for years. https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/football/tua-tagovailoa-returns-field-concussion-concerns-rcna177506

0 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (300 points)

According to nm.org, "there is no connection between cracking your knuckles and arthritis." Therefore there is no scientific evidence stating that cracking your knuckles will develop arthritis.

False
0 like 0 dislike
by Novice (740 points)

Northwestern Medicine stated that there is no connection between cracking your fingers and arthritis. While it can be seen and told to be a bad habit, it won't cause you to get arthritis. When you pop your knuckles, there is a fluid in your joints that create gas bubbles creates the popping sound. The only effect doing this has is that it releases endorphins that can release any minor pain. 

article: 

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.

False
0 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (320 points)

While the claim of cracking one's knuckles causing arthritis is false there is further evidence to show that it in fact only causes a slight decrease in grip strength. The popping sound you hear when you "Crack" your knuckles is the sound of air bubbles popping. Interesting fact but it is not in correlation with developing arthritis as claimed. this can be seen in these links - https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/does-knuckle-cracking-cause-arthritis%C2%A0 -and- https://uamshealth.com/medical-myths/will-cracking-your-knuckles-cause-arthritis/ 

True
0 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (260 points)

The statement about cracking your knuckles will cause Arthritis is false. There is studies done and many articles written on this and is it as simple as the noise of popping is unrelated to nay long term heath affects. it is simply gas being released   and has no affects long term. 

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

False
0 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (350 points)

Cracking knuckles does not result in arthritis. The cracking sound is the bursting or popping of bubbles in one's synovial fluid. This synovial fluid helps lubricate joints, so while cracking your knuckles doesn't cause arthritis it is definitely a habit to let go of, as it will lead to other joint aches and problems.

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

0 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (260 points)
As a knuckle cracker myself, I am happy to report that the claim, "By cracking your fingers you start to develop Arthritis," is false as there is no connection between cracking you knuckles and arthritis. The "pop" sound that occurs when you crack your knuckles is caused by the release of gas bubbles in the synovial fluid. This happens when you pull your bones apart by bending or stretching your fingers. Although, it is important to acknowledge that over time, consistently cracking your knuckles can wear away cartilage in your joints, which can lead to inflammation and 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.
False
0 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (300 points)

The contention of this article from John Hopkins is to dispel the notion that you can actually develop arthritis from cracking your fingers. They say that it leads to weakened grip but cracking of knuckles does not lead to arthritis. This Sterate has been backed by a Harvard Study. According to Harvard Medical School, you might annoy others by making that cracking sound but they add that there is no strong evidence to suggest that cracking your knuckles increases your chances of arthritis. That is the finding of several research studies that examined the frequency of hand arthritis among habitual knuckle crackers and non-crackers. The above article from John Hopkins is written by Dimitrios Pappas, who is a Rheumatology Fellow of Johns Hopkins University. After fact checking, I think that this is a fact, therefore, while it may not be good for you, there should be no arthritis from cracking knuckles. 

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

0 like 0 dislike
by Novice (640 points)

Dimitrios Pappas, a Rheumatology Fellow at Johns Hopkins University, explains that cracking your knuckles doesn't cause arthritis. While it may slightly reduce grip strength or cause temporary discomfort in the joints, there’s no direct link between knuckle-cracking and the development of arthritis. Harvard Medical School supports this conclusion, stating, "Cracking your knuckles may irritate those around you, but it likely won't increase your risk of arthritis." Their research, which compares arthritis rates in regular knuckle-crackers and non-crackers, found no significant difference in joint health.

Additionally, studies suggest that the sound produced when you crack your knuckles is simply the release of gas bubbles from the synovial fluid in the joint, not the result of bones rubbing together or damaging cartilage. So, while frequent knuckle-cracking might not be ideal for other reasons, such as social annoyance or potential joint irritation, it is unlikely to cause long-term damage or arthritis. Therefore, while it's a habit that may be best avoided in certain contexts, cracking your knuckles isn't something to be overly concerned about in terms of arthritis risk.

Community Rules


Be respectful.

There is bound to be disagreement on a site about misinformation. Assume best intentions on everyone's part.

If you are new to factchecking, take some time to learn about it. "How to Factcheck" has some resources for getting started. Even if you disagree with these materials, they'll help you understand the language of this community better.

News Detective is for uncovering misinformation and rumors. This is not a general interest question-answer site for things someone could Google.

Posting

The title is the "main claim" that you're trying to factcheck.

Example:
Factcheck This: Birds don't exist

If possible, LINK TO to the place you saw the claim.

Answering

LINK TO YOUR EVIDENCE or otherwise explain the source ("I called this person, I found it in this book, etc.")

But don't just drop a link. Give an explanation, copy and paste the relevant information, etc.

News Detective is not responsible for anything anyone posts on the platform.
...