Can Cracking Knuckles Lead To Arthritis?

Cracking knuckles or that popping sound which comes when you bend your fingers, is commonly seen everywhere. Some consider knuckle cracking to bring relief while for others it may be a habit. Sometimes a person might not know consciously that he is cracking knuckles consistently because it has got ingrained in him as a habit. Some consider the repetitive cracking of knuckles by a person around to be irritating and bothersome.

But do you know how the cracking sound comes?

What can be the cause behind it?

Many joints in the body have small pockets or gaps which are filled with synovial fluid. This fluid facilitates the movement of the bones in the joint without grating against each other. 
When you bend or pull your fingers, the capsule surrounding the joint is stretched. This expands the volume of space between the bones. Due to volume expansion, the synovial fluid moves into the newly formed space. The sudden inflow or movement of the fluid into the empty space creates the popping sound when you crack a knuckle. 
The more you crack your knuckles, the more you stretch the capsule around the joint. This loosens the capsule and the surrounding ligaments. This enables the joints to pop easily.

Does it lead to Arthritis? 

There have been many research works and surveys conducted to find out the link between knuckle cracking and occurrence of arthritis. Comparative studies have been conducted between groups who don’t indulge in knuckle cracking and habitual knuckle crackers. There has been no scientific evidence about the possibility of cracking knuckles leading to arthritis. However, excessive cracking of knuckles might lead to other issues.

Can excessive knuckle cracking result in any other problem?

1. Functional hand impairment
Too much of knuckle cracking results in repeated stretching and loosening of ligaments which might lead to functional hand impairment. 

2. Injured ligaments
If there is pain while cracking knuckles, it might be a result of other abnormalities like injured or over-stretched ligaments. 

3. Instability in the joint
Excessive knuckle cracking may lead to weakness in the joints.

4. Swollen hands
Cracking knuckles over a period of time can cause swelling in the hands.

5. Lesser grip strength 
Repeated knuckle cracking may lower the grip strength of the hand, i.e, reduce the ability to maintain a strong grip while holding a thing.

Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution, through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy aims to eradicate problems like joint pain, inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm and stiffness. The protocol is at once scientific, effective and safe, with no known side effect. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

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