Cracking knuckles does not cause arthritis, but can lead to swelling and stiffness over time. The sound is created by nitrogen gas bubbles escaping from synovial fluid between the knuckle joints. The effects of habitual knuckle cracking are temporary and can be reduced by stopping the habit.
Perhaps the most important thing to understand about the relationship between cracking knuckles and arthritis is that there is no relationship between cracking knuckles and arthritis. The art of cracking knuckles may make some cringe, but professionals don’t necessarily brace themselves for a lifetime of anti-inflammatory drugs and menthol hand creams. However, a lifetime of swollen knuckles isn’t out of the question.
Knuckle cracking involves applying a certain amount of pressure against one or more joints in the fingers, primarily the first few joints closest to the hand. When done correctly, the knuckle joints will separate slightly and you will hear a loud popping or crackling noise. Once all available knuckles or toes have all been cracked or broken, there is usually a recovery time before they can be cracked again. Some people are able to pop virtually every joint in their hands, feet, and even some vertebrae in their neck and spine.
Because long-term habitual knuckles can cause knuckles to become swollen or stiff, some have tried to demonstrate a connection between cracking knuckles and arthritis, although the two conditions are triggered by entirely different mechanisms. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that can affect almost any joint in a person’s body, while knuckle cracking can only be performed safely on relatively few joints.
Many joints in the human body are lubricated with a substance known as synovial fluid. This fluid tends to collect between the knuckle joints and over time produces nitrogen gas bubbles. A knuckle cracker hyperextends the knuckle joints, allowing this buildup of nitrogen to escape. The released gas creates the satisfying crackling sound that designates a successful knuckle crack. It can take anywhere from several minutes to several hours for the synovial fluid to create multiple nitrogen bubbles, which is why most knuckle crackers can only produce one pop per knuckle.
While the process of releasing nitrogen bubbles through cracking your knuckles is considered relatively harmless, over time it can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain around your joints. Because of the similarities between arthritis and the usual symptoms of knuckle cracking, it’s easy to see how the two conditions might intertwine in a person’s mind. While arthritis is a chronic condition that often requires years of treatment, the effects of habitual knuckle cracking are usually temporary and can be significantly reduced once the habit is stopped.
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