Is it safe to crack your knuckles?

It's time to bust some age-old myths.

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In a Nutshell 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: • Best teas to drink to lower your blood pressure • Does anesthesia have an effect on memory? • How to get through hard days while living with breast cancer Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota October 20, 2023 • 3 min read

what's got us buzzing 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.

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