It's time to bust some age-old myths.
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| | | | When it comes to knuckle cracking, most people usually feel one of two ways: pure disgust or ultimate satisfaction. No matter which camp you fall into, you've probably heard that cracking your knuckles can lead to potential side effects. | | But can this common habit really make your knuckles larger? Or give you arthritis? Let's ~crack~ down on the available evidence to sort fact from fiction once and for all. | | Here are some new health stories to add to your queue: | | | | Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline | | | | |
| |  | | Written by Morgan Mandriota
October 20, 2023 • 3 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | Knuckle-cracking misconceptions debunked | 👊 Are there any real risks to cracking my knuckles? Nope! If you're part of the 54% of folks who love cracking their knuckles, rest assured that no studies have confirmed any serious side effects. That means no arthritis, enlarged knuckles, or reduced grip strength. Phew! Careful, though, you could dislocate your finger and injure the surrounding ligaments. (But only if you yank it hard enough or in the wrong direction.)
💨 So what actually happens when you crack your knuckles? Apparently, that still isn't fully understood. But theories suggest it's from an air cavity forming or collapsing between the joints. | | ⚠️ Are there any reasons I should stop? Maybe! Consider stopping if you experience pain and swelling when you do it (which shouldn't happen!), it bothers those around you, or it's an anxious habit that you want to break. Cracking your knuckles can also exacerbate symptoms of underlying health conditions, such as arthritis and gout. | | ✋ How to crack down on knuckle cracking. First, become aware of when and why you're doing it. Is it usually out of nerves or habit? Try deep breathing exercises or playing with a fidget toy instead. Swapping cracking your knuckles for other stress-reducing strategies like these can help chill you out and reduce the chance of irritating your fingers or friends. If you can't stop cracking your knuckles, consider looking into the symptoms and potential causes of fidgeting. | | | | | | | |
| | | | Get your hands on this | | | | | | |  | | ZAYAD Reacher Grabber Mobility Aid | | Want to reach that cereal box on the top shelf? Or pick up the trash you dropped on the floor without bending down? Consider snagging this handy tool with an ergonomic handle that can easily extend to grab objects under 3 pounds. For about $20, this accessible mobility aid is great for older adults, disabled people, or anyone else who needs extra help picking things up and putting them down. | | | Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Thanks for reading! How do you feel about cracking knuckles? Share your thoughts with us at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition.)
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