Is cracking your knuckles bad for you?

2 days ago

2 min read

"Stop cracking your knuckles, you'll get arthritis." Most of us have heard this phrase before. One of the most common myths about our hands is that cracking our knuckles causes arthritis, but does it?

Hand therapist at Riverina Hand Therapy explaining the anatomy of a finger to a patient.

So why do our fingers crack?

A joint is where two bones meet. The joints in our fingers, and all joints in our body, are surrounded by a capsule filled with a watery, lubricant-like liquid called synovial fluid. This fluid is made up of dissolved gases.

When we pull bones apart, such as by stretching or bending a joint, we increase the space in the joint capsule. This increase in space causes a reduction in pressure within the joint, causing the dissolved gas particles to form a bubble.

The "pop" or "crack" sound you hear when you stretch or bend a joint is the sound of these bubbles bursting within the synovial fluid.

Will I get arthritis if I crack my knuckles?

The short answer is no. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that cracking your knuckles increases your chances of developing arthritis, and there are no known negative effects of doing so.

A hand squeezing a resistance foam block

So, if you are someone who cracks your knuckles, whether it's because you like the sound, to help with stress or anxiety, or it's just a habit, you're pretty safe to keep doing so.

When should I worry about noises in my knuckles?

It is normal for joints to make popping or cracking noises, whether due to gas bubbles in the joint capsule or the sound of tendons or soft tissue flicking over your bones. If these noises occur without any other symptoms, you're probably safe.

If you experience popping or cracking in your joints that causes swelling or pain, it is best to book in with a hand therapist to get this checked out.

Have questions about your hand or wrist injury? Our experienced hand therapists at Riverina Hand Therapy are here to help. Call us on 02 6925 0157 or visit riverinahandtherapy.com.au to book an appointment.

This information is general in nature and is intended to support, not replace, individual advice from your treating health professional. Everyone's injury and recovery are different, so please contact your GP, specialist, or your hand therapist at Riverina Hand Therapy if you have concerns about your condition.