Does cracking knuckles cause arthritis?

Cracking your knuckles can be satisfying for some, but does it cause arthritis?

Knuckle cracking is a common habit many people find satisfying. There's also a widespread belief that it can lead to arthritis if done habitually. Over time, studies have found that as many as 54% of people crack their knuckles. So, does cracking knuckles cause arthritis or is this a misconception?

Why do people crack their knuckles?

Before we look at whether cracking your knuckles causes arthritis, it's important to understand why people do it in the first place. Some people crack their knuckles as a nervous habit — such as nail biting or leg bouncing — or to relieve stress. Others like the sound it makes or the way it feels. Some people think it relieves tension in the joints or increases mobility. Over time, it may turn into a habit one might do unconsciously.

Does cracking knuckles cause arthritis?

If you crack your knuckles, you may be relieved to hear that the habit does not cause arthritis. Osteoarthritis — which affects about 33 million U.S. adults and is by far the most common type — is caused by overuse and wear and tear over time. For other types of arthritis, causes can range from injury or infection to autoimmune disorders.

When considering whether knuckle cracking leads to arthritis, research has found that people who crack their knuckles have the same rates of arthritis as those who don't.

What actually happens when you crack your knuckles

The belief that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis may stem from people assuming the action damages the joints. However, the popping sound you hear when you or others do this doesn't come from the joints themselves actually cracking. When you bend your finger bones backward or pull them apart, the space between the joints increases. This causes nitrogen bubbles in the synovial fluid, which lubricates your joints, to burst.

If you've ever cracked your knuckles, you know you can't crack them again right away. This is because the gas bubbles must re-form in the joint after it's popped — a process that typically takes about 20 minutes.

What are the risks of cracking your knuckles?

Although rare, one risk associated with knuckle cracking is finger dislocation or ligament injury. This can happen if you apply too much force or jerk your finger in a way that accidentally causes it to detach from its joint. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you notice any swelling around your finger joints. While this can be a sign of injury, it can also indicate an underlying condition, such as gout, and should be treated right away.

Another potential risk of cracking your knuckles is reduced hand grip strength, although research is mixed. A 1990 study found that people who cracked their knuckles had weaker hand grips than those who didn't. However, a 2017 study found no difference in grip strength between the two groups.

Should I stop cracking my knuckles?

Cracking your knuckles is relatively harmless and can generally be done without causing any serious issues. However, if it's done frequently or too vigorously, there are some potential risks. Knuckle cracking shouldn't be painful. So, if you're experiencing pain when you crack your knuckles, you may be causing or worsening an injury.

If you don't have pain when you crack your knuckles and you enjoy the habit, you can continue to do so safely and without fear of it causing arthritis. But if the joints in your hands start to hurt, become swollen, stiff or numb, or if you're experiencing decreased mobility in your fingers or grip, be sure to talk to your doctor to identify the cause.