What Happens if You Crack Your Knuckles Too Much
The satisfying pop of cracking your knuckles is a common habit, but is it just a harmless quirk or something more? As years passed, many scientists and doctors tried to either dispel the myths or uphold the facts.
First, we will look at the why.
Why People Crack Their Knuckles
Research has shown that more than half of the population crack their knuckles for the following reasons:
- Sound
- Some people find the popping sound quite enjoyable.
- Released tension
The cracking of the knuckles sometimes helps to release tension that may built up in the knuckles, and cracking helps dispel this tension and increase mobility. Although there has been no evidence of this.
Nervous habit
You may first find yourself cracking your knuckles out of habit, especially when you are bored or nervous. Most of the time, when people are filled with nerves, they look for things/activities to distract them, and cracking the knuckles is one of the top activities on the list.
You may find yourself cracking your knuckles when you are nervous or even stressed to distract yourself.
What Happens if You Crack Your Knuckles Too Much?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no long-term effect to cracking your knuckles frequently, and it is generally not harmful. Research over the years has shown that both the people who frequently crack their knuckles and the ones who don’t have the same knuckles have no distinctive differences in their joints.
The cracking sound may be problematic, but it has no harmful effect. Instead, it is caused by the formation of air bubbles in the fluid that lubricates our joints, which is called synovial fluid.
This, however, has been a topic of debate among researchers. Some researchers believe it’s caused by air bubbles collapsing within the synovial fluid (the lubricant in your joints), while others suggest it’s from a bubble being created in the fluid.
Potential Side Effects of Cracking the Knuckles
While research hasn’t linked knuckle cracking to long-term issues, some report occasional downsides like the following:
- Pain or Swelling:
You may experience pain and swelling in your joints/knuckles if you pull or crack your knuckles hard enough to cause a dislocation or tear in the ligament.
Swelling around the joint may also be caused by other underlying conditions like gout or arthritis. Either way, when you experience these symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor immediately.
- Joint Swelling and Reduced Grip Strength:
While there has been a lot of controversy around this, some researchers still believe that cracking the knuckles too frequently can lead to the wearing away of the cartilage, which can lead to inflammation and reduced grip strength.
- Annoying for Others:
The sound can be distracting or bothersome to those around you.
Managing the Habit
While cracking the knuckles is typically not harmful, it is best to reduce its frequency.
Find your triggers and address underlying issues.
If you do so out of nerves, habit, or stress, find other ways to manage your stress and nerves and see other habits.
Consciously try to stop yourself from cracking your knuckles.
Breaking a habit like cracking your knuckles can be challenging, but it can be done. Being aware of when you’re doing it and finding other ways to relieve stress are two things you can do to help you kick the habit.
