25 Popular Facts That Are Actually False

Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis

Knuckle Cracking and Arthritis
The belief that cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis has been a common warning for decades. However, scientific studies have found no evidence to support this claim. Cracking your knuckles does not cause arthritis or any long-term damage to your joints. The popping sound when you crack your knuckles is caused by the release of gas bubbles from the synovial fluid, which lubricates your joints. When you stretch or pull your fingers, the pressure in the joint decreases, allowing the gas to escape and create the characteristic popping noise. While cracking your knuckles is harmless for most people, excessive or forceful cracking can occasionally cause minor joint swelling or reduced grip strength. However, these effects are temporary and not linked to arthritis. The myth likely originated from the discomfort some people feel when hearing the sound, but rest assured, cracking your knuckles won’t harm your joints.

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