FitSugar

Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis?

FitSugar — Tue, 22 May 2007 04:00:00 -0700

In order to answer this question, we first need to talk about arthritis. It's the name for a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints. Here are some examples:

Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases in which the body is attacking itself.
Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection.
Gouty arthritis is caused when uric acid crystals get deposited in the joints, which causes inflammation.
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease), occurs after an injury or infection in the joint, or simply as a result of aging.

Hmm, I see that of these 4 examples, none of them are caused by popping your joints.

Now let's talk about knuckle cracking. A joint is an area where 2 or more bones meet. This area is surrounded by joint fluid that protects the bones from rubbing against each other. When you "crack" or "pop" your knuckles or other joints, you are NOT grinding your bones together. Carbon dioxide is dissolved in that joint fluid. The sound you hear is a result of the high pressure being released, when the gas comes out and forms a bubble. That release of pressure allows a temporary increase in the joint's range of motion, which is why it feels so good. The reason you can't re-crack your knuckles immediately after is because it takes a little time for the gas to get re-dissolved back into the joint fluid.

There is no evidence that cracking your joints causes arthritis, or any other permanent damage - it just offers relief.

So the next time you crack your knuckles and someone says "Stop! You're going to get arthritis!," just smile and politely explain that you're just releasing the pressure of your joint fluid.

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Knuckle Cracking Is A-OK

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:00:48 -0700

I have written about knuckle cracking in the past, exposing the notion that doing so causes arthritis for what it is a health myth - one that is perpetuated by grandmothers all over the US. One doctor took his research on the subject quite personally.

For 60 years Dr. Donald Unger cracked the knuckles of his left hand repeatedly, but used his right hand as the "control group" and left them well alone. After 60 years of cracking, his left hand did not develop arthritis. For his decades long research, Unger was awarded an Ig Noble award, a lighthearted version of the Nobel prizes, which were announced this week. The Ig Noble Prizes "honor achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think. The prizes are intended to celebrate the unusual, honor the imaginative - and spur people's interest in science, medicine, and technology."

Scientific bottom line on your knuckles: keep on cracking.

You Asked: Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Joint Damage?

FitSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Dear Fit,
I have to admit that I love cracking my knuckles, but my gramma always says that I'm ruining my joints and I'll get arthritis when I'm older. Is she right?
-Cracky Kathy

This is a great question and you are not alone in the love of cracking your knuckles. In order to answer your question, let me explain what's happening when your joints crack. A joint is an area where two or more bones meet. This area is surrounded by joint fluid that protects the bones from rubbing against each other. The gas nitrogen is dissolved in your joint fluid. When you crack or pop your knuckles, you're releasing pressure, which makes the gas come out and form a bubble. Don't worry - the sound is not your bones grinding together. That release of pressure allows a temporary increase in the joint's range of motion, which is why it feels so good. The reason you can't recrack your knuckles immediately after is because it takes a little time for the gas to get redissolved back into the joint fluid.

So is it bad for your joints? To find out read more.

It is sweet of your gramma to be concerned about your joints, but let me assure you that there is no evidence that cracking your joints causes arthritis or any other permanent damage - it just offers relief. The only thing you need to be careful of is if cracking your knuckles causes pain. Actually, those who like to crack their knuckles, back, neck, and knees tend to have healthier joints. No it's not the knuckle cracking that's preventing arthritis, it's the fact that they tend to be more active people. As the old saying goes "move it or lose it."

So the next time you crack your knuckles and your gram says "Stop! You're going to get arthritis!" just smile and politely explain that you're releasing the pressure of your joint fluid.

The Skinny on: Cracking Your Knuckles

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 04:00:00 -0800

When someone tells you that cracking your knuckles will lead to arthritis, they're wrong.

What exactly makes that "popping" sound? When you crack your knuckles, or back, or whatever, you are pushing the joint into or out of its normal position. Joints are the meeting points of 2 separate bones. A thick liquid called synovial fluid is found between the bones. When you stretch, twist, push, or pull those bones apart, the pressure is reduced on that fluid, and bubbles form and quickly burst - making that familiar "pop."

Research from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine shows that people who crack their back, neck, knuckles or knees generally have healthier joints than those who don't. Well, actually, people who tend to pop their joints are more likely to be more physically active than non-crackers.

So go ahead and crack away. It may be annoying to others, but at least it's not hurting you.

Psoriasis on the knuckles

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:34:35 -0700

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HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

This is a picture of a typical case of psoriasis, with small lesions on the knuckles. Note the changes in the fingernails.

Review Date: 7/24/2006

Reviewed By: Shomit Halachmi, MD, PhD, Private Practice Specializing in Dermatology, Somerville, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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You Asked: Are Popping and Cracking Joints Harmful?

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:30:00 -0700

Hi FitSugar,

I got a yoga DVD recently and I like it a lot, but every time I do some of the workouts, my joints tend to crack and pop a lot! It doesn't hurt, it actually feels kind of good the same way cracking your knuckles feels, but I'm worried I might be hurting myself without even knowing it. I'm fairly flexible with a dance and martial arts background, but yoga is stretching me in new and interesting ways. Are the sounds my body is making just my body adjusting and will they go away as I do more yoga? I'm also almost 30 so is this just a part of getting older?

- dorisaurus

To find out what I think about popping and cracking while doing yoga read more.

This happens to me too, and has been the entire eight years I've been practicing yoga. My lower back cracks when I do Seated Spinal Twist, my hip pops when I do Open Triangle, and my shoulder pops when I do Bound Wide Squat. I look forward to it because it makes my body feel more open.

The weird sound has to do with your joints. A joint is an area where two or more bones meet, and this area is surrounded by joint fluid that protects the bones from rubbing against each other. Nitrogen gas is dissolved in your joint fluid. When you move your body in new and interesting positions like when you're doing yoga, your bones move, which releases pressure from your joints. This makes the gas come out and form a bubble, and causes the cracking or popping sound you hear. That release of pressure allows a temporary increase in the joint's range of motion, which is why it feels so good.

Don't worry about all the noises your joints make while doing your yoga DVD. It won't cause arthritis or joint pain, just a temporary feeling of openness in your body. As long as you practice yoga, you can expect to hear popping and cracking.

Fit Tip: Check Your Grip

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:30:00 -0800

Have you ever been driving on a road slick with ice or rain and noticed that your had a death grip on the steering wheel with white knuckles and tense shoulders? That death grip doesn't translate into more control over the car. Same goes for how you use your hands when working out.

You don't need to grip the weights as if you were trying to squeeze the life out of the dumbbell or hold the handles of the elliptical like you are trying to choke them. All this really does is tire out all the little muscles in your hands. Since these muscles are small and relatively weak compared to the larger muscles you are intending to work, they just tire out before your workout is done. This can create unwanted soreness in your hands. Plus, having an overly tight hand often sends signals of tension to the shoulders and neck, creating unnecessary strain.

I see this super grip when folks work with Pilates equipment, weight and cardio machines, and free weights. Next time you work out, check your grip and lighten it up.

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Minutes to a Healthier You . . .

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:00:00 -0800

No matter what I have planned for my day, a long run, gardening, blogging, I like to begin by stretching out my back, which bears the brunt of all those activities. Arching and rounding my spine warms up my back, preparing me for whatever comes my way. The best thing about this combination of yoga poses is that you can do them in bed. Here's how:

Begin on all fours with your knees directly under your hips and your hands directly under your shoulders. If you have wrist issues, make a fist and place your knuckles on the bed and be sure to keep your wrists straight.
Inhale and take a slow count of three to arch your back, bringing your belly closer to your sheets and looking up toward the ceiling. This move is known as the cow.
Exhale, pull the abs toward your spine and slowly round your back, lowering your head and bringing your spine towards the ceiling. This move is called the cat.
Repeat this two move cycle a total of five times. Then reach your pelvis back toward your heels and lower your torso onto your thighs coming into child's pose.

Tap into your animal side first thing in the morning to start your day off on the right ~~paw~~ foot.

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You Asked: My Ankles Crack When I Walk Up and Down Stairs

FitSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:00:00 -0700

You're asking and I'm answering . . .

Dear Fit,
Is it normal for my ankles to make a cracking or popping sound, the same sound my knuckles make when I crack them? It happens when I'm walking around in the morning, but especially when I go up or down stairs. It doesn't hurt at all, it's just noisy, and my boyfriend thinks something is wrong with me. Is it something I should worry about?
- Poppy Polly

If you're wondering too then read more.

What you're referring to is called crepitus, a cracking or grinding sound that can be heard or felt around the lungs, under the skin, or as in your case, in the joints. It usually occurs in large joints such as the shoulders or knees, but can occur in other joints as well. It's not the same as the loud pop you hear when you crack your knuckles (which is caused by the release of gas bubbles in your joint fluid). What you're describing, is caused by uneven cartilage surfaces rubbing together. Since you're not experiencing any discomfort or impaired range of motion, I wouldn't really worry about it. On the other hand, pain could be a sign of injury, cartilage wear, or arthritis, so if you start to notice inflammation, tenderness, or achiness, it's best to get checked by a doctor.

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Ways to Prevent the Flu

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Nobody wants to end up with the flu this year. Not only does it make every cell in your body ache and shake with chills, but you can end up feeling bad for a couple weeks. So here are some easy things you can do to prevent catching the flu.

It is recommended that you get a flu shot every Fall. This is especially important if you work closely with people or children.
Take advantage of the sauna at your gym. Researchers aren't sure why this works exactly, but studies show that those who sit in a sauna twice a week have half as many colds as those who didn't. It probably has to do with breathing in that hot air, which kills the germs. You can get the same effect from breathing in the air from your blow dryer.
Get fresh air regularly, especially when the heat is on in your home or office. The heat can make the air dry, which can dry you up as well and make you more vulnerable to getting sick. Getting outside also means you're getting away from all the germ-infested people around you. If you can't get outside, then use a humidifier or vaporizer to add some moisture back into the air.

To see the other helpful hints to keep you healthy this year read more.

Avoid being around sick people. Stay at least three feet away to avoid the flu droplets spewing through the air.
Wash your hands long enough. It's great to wash your hands, but if you don't lather up with soap for a couple minutes, then you're not going to effectively kill the germs. So as you wash, sing your ABCs, or Happy Birthday twice through. If you're really serious about killing germs, wash your hands twice.
Try to avoid touching things that other people touch including hand rails, doorknobs, doorbells, handles on public toilets, gym equipment, and money. Use your sleeve whenever possible, and if you can't avoid touching things other people have touched, then wash your hands thoroughly immediately afterward.
Keep your hands away from your face. If you need to rub your eye, use your knuckle since it most likely has less germs than your fingertip.

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