Does cracking knuckles cause arthritis? AIIMS neurologist reveals

Cracking knuckles is a common habit that many people find oddly satisfying, while some find it annoying or even concerning at times. For years, this has been a popular belief that doing this can lead to arthritis, a chronic, painful joint condition. But is there any truth to this claim? Let's find out!

In a recent video circulating on social media, Dr. Priyanka Sherawat, a neurologist affiliated with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), addressed this common concern and offered some much-needed clarity.

What actually happens when we crack our knuckles

According to Dr. Sherawat, the "cracking" sound that occurs when we crack our knuckles is not due to bones grinding or ligaments tearing, as some might assume. Instead, it is caused by rapid release and bursting of gas bubbles in the synovial fluid, a lubricating fluid that is found inside the joint. When we stretch or pull our fingers, the pressure inside the joints suddenly drops! This pressure changes allows dissolved gases, primarily nitrogen to form bubbles in the fluid. These bubbles then collapse or "pop," producing the familiar cracking sound. It’s a natural, mechanical process, and importantly, not harmful

Does cracking knuckles cause arthritis

Dr. Sherawat emphasized that while cracking your knuckles might be an annoying or even addictive habit, it does not lead to arthritis. She categorically called the belief that knuckle cracking causes joint damage a myth.

One often-cited study, published in National Institute of Health titled ,Effect of habitual knuckle cracking on hand function, found no increased incidence of arthritis compared to those who didn’t crack their knuckles. While excessive or forceful cracking might cause temporary swelling or a reduced grip strength in some individuals, there is no direct link to arthritis.

What is arthritis then and what causes it

This is honestly an umbrella term for condition that cause joint inflammation, pain and stiffness. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear of cartilage, and rheumatoid arthritis, a painful bone arthritis that affects the whole body, the pain and chronic inflammation is attacks the tissue joints. These conditions are influenced by factors such as age, genetics, injuries, autoimmune triggers as well as obesity, also some certain lifestyle habits, but surely not knuckle cracking.

Still, why do people think it is bad

Dr. Sherawat suggests that unless it causing one pain or discomfort with daily tasks, there is no medical reason behind it. However, if you're cracking your joints excessively or forcefully, and it's accompanied by pain, swelling, or limited movement, you should consult a doctor to rule out any underlying issues.

As AIIMS neurologist Priyanka Sherawat explains, the sound is due to harmless gas bubbles in joint fluid, not any sort of damage. So unless it bothers or is causing one discomfort, there is no need to worry about the knuckle cracking leading to arthritis.

Next time someone tells you to stop cracking your knuckles to protect your joints, you can confidently reply: "It’s just air bubbles!"