Cracking your knuckles may feel good, or it may be one of those things that you find extremely annoying to hear someone else do. But it may also make you wonder – is it safe? Especially for people who frequently crack their fingers, this can raise concerns about long-term damage such as arthritis.
It is also a common habit, with 25-45% of people voluntarily cracking their fingers.
Dr. Annalies Callow, a physical therapist at Wave Physical Therapy and Pilates in Cincinnati, said people crack their fingers for a variety of reasons, whether it’s out of habit, stress or their hands just feel stiff.
Here, Callow explains whether cracking or cracking your knuckles can be harmful or even cause arthritis.
What happens to your joints when you crack your knuckles?
“When someone cracks their knuckles, the joint that ‘pops’ gets displaced, or stretched,” Callow said. “The pressure inside the joint decreases, a gas cavity forms, and results in an audible crack. Manipulating or popping the joint provides temporary mobility, relaxes the muscles around the joint, and activates joint receptors.”
She adds: “Pressing the joint can help temporarily relax the muscles around that area and may provide some degree of relief.”
Can cracking fingers cause medical problems?
Many long-term studies have repeatedly shown that there is little or no risk or association between knuckle cracking and arthritis or any other long-term health problem.
One of the most cited studies of similar research showed no link between cracking fingers and arthritis. In a 2017 study of a much smaller group, researchers found some thickening of the metacarpal head cartilage in knuckle crackers, which may influence osteoarthritis. But scientists felt larger studies were necessary to better understand the correlation.
What to know if you’re a frequent knuckle cracker?
“Cracking your knuckles is not considered a dangerous activity, despite the common belief that it causes arthritis or joint damage,” Callow said. “There is no long-term benefit or harm from cracking fingers.”
Still, some people are worried that it will cause arthritis, but this is not true. “Arthritis has several root causes, including genetics, macrotrauma, and repetitive microtrauma. Cracking your knuckles temporarily creates space in the joint, whereas arthritis causes compression of the joint. For that exact reason, there is no connection between the two,” she said.
So, if you love pampering your joints, cross it off your list of things to worry about and enjoy one of life’s little pleasures. But as always, if it becomes painful talk to your doctor, Callow said.