Does cracking your knuckles cause arthritis?

The sound made when cracking your knuckles is caused by the bursting of tiny gas bubbles in the synovial fluid, not by damage to the joint. The joints in the body are surrounded by a fluid called synovial fluid, which lubricates and helps the joint move flexibly, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

Aging is a major factor in arthritis, including finger joints.

When we bend and crack our knuckles, the pressure inside the joint changes. This causes air bubbles, mainly made of nitrogen, to burst and produce a sound. This is a harmless process for the joint. The reason for this is that the sound is not caused by bones or cartilage rubbing against each other, but by the bursting of air bubbles in the synovial fluid.

So, while cracking your knuckles is a bad habit, it is not a cause of arthritis. Long-term studies have not found a link between cracking your knuckles and arthritis.

Factors that increase the risk of arthritis

Factors that increase the risk of arthritis include aging, genetics, trauma, and obesity. With aging, older people are more likely to develop arthritis because over time, the cartilage in the joints wears away, causing bones to rub against each other and cause inflammation. People with a family history of arthritis are also more likely to develop the disease.

Another important factor that increases the risk of arthritis is injury. Some sports injuries are more likely to lead to osteoarthritis. Excess weight in obese people will constantly put pressure on the joints, making them more susceptible to damage and inflammation.

Although cracking your knuckles frequently does not lead to arthritis, it does have some negative effects on your joints. The first effect that needs to be mentioned is that cracking your knuckles stretches the ligaments around your joints. This condition, if maintained for a long time, will reduce the stability of the joint. In many cases, cracking your knuckles will irritate the soft tissues, causing swelling and discomfort in the joint.

To maintain joint health and prevent arthritis, experts recommend that people limit cracking their joints, and take care of their joints by eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight, according to Medical News Today.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/be-khop-ngon-tay-co-gay-viem-khop-khong-185241204134854208.htm