Some people have a habit of cracking their knuckles, while others find great relief from it. It has been established that 25–54% of people knuckle crack. However, there are some outdated myths that claim this damages your joints and leads to arthritis. Is this really the case?
A group of scientists finally decided to study the topic of: is cracking your knuckles bad for you?
…And the results showed that arthritis, or joint inflammation, is certainly not associated with the knuckle-cracking.
In the joints there exists a special lubrication liquid and small air bubbles. It is the bubbles that make the cracking sound, not your joints and bones.
In short, here is how the entire process goes:
The synovial fluid contains carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen, so the knuckle-cracking actually decreases the pressure in your joints. Then the joints come back in place, the synovial fluid aswell, and this produces the cracking sound.What this means is, contrary to all beliefs, the returning of the joints in position is not harmful or dangerous. This is why the knuckle-cracking brings a comfortable relief for most people.
A survey this season proved that arthritis developed in 18% of the people who had this habit, and in 21. 5% of people who did not have it.
Conclusion:
Is cracking your knuckles bad for you? Absolutely not, so you do not need to listen to your grandparents and crack your knuckles if it brings a relief to you!
