You’re not alone if you like the feel-good pop of cracking your knuckles.
There’s bound to be an overlap of people who crack their knuckles and later develop arthritis.
However, there’s no evidence of cause and effect.
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Cracking your knuckles isn’t bad for your health.
It’s a common habit, but not everyone appreciates that popping sound.
Whether it qualifies as a bad habit depends on your personal point of view.
As the knuckle cracks, tension is instantly released as the joint space widens.
The pop is the sound of escaping gas bubbles in thesynovial fluid(joint fluid).
However, you might risk making matters worse if you have a finger injury or other hand problems.
If it does, hold off on knuckle cracking for a while.
If the pain gets worse or keeps coming back, you might need medical attention.
Remember, cracking shouldn’t hurt.
Never force your back or neck into position.
A physical therapist, chiropractor, or other healthcare professional can teach you how to do it correctly.
Options besides cracking include:
Should I Continue Cracking My Knuckles?
If there’s no swelling and your knuckles and fingers feel fine, it’s likely a harmless habit.
There’s no medical reason to stop.
You may want to consider whether the habit is due to stress or anxiety.
Summary
Cracking your knuckles widens the joint space, which creates that feel-good pop.
It can also temporarily improve your range of motion.
But it’s important not to use so much force that you cause a sprain or fracture.
And you should probably stop if you already have problems with your knuckles or fingers.
Cracking your knuckles should not hurt.
2017;475(4):1265-1271. doi:10.1007/s11999-016-5215-3
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Arthritis related statistics.
Harvard Health Publishing.Knuckle cracking: Annoying and harmful, or just annoying?
OrthoInfo from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Finger fractures.
Northwestern Medicine.Is cracking your back bad for you?
Go Ask Alice.Is neck and back cracking all it’s cracked up to be?
