Cracking knuckles may be a daily habit for many, yet it elicits a variety of opinions. But does this simple habit truly harm our joints? Dr. Syed Nadeem Abbas revealed the real impacts of cracking on joint health and what we should be mindful of.
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According to research, approximately 54% of people crack their knuckles multiple times throughout the day. However, myths related to this common habit still circulate from ear to ear. Warnings such as 'It causes swelling in the fingers,' 'It leads to arthritis,' or 'It diminishes hand strength' are frequently heard.
That audible 'crack' you hear is not the result of bones rubbing against each other, but rather the popping of gas bubbles in the joint fluid due to pressure changes. However, if cracking is accompanied by pain, swelling, warmth in the joint, or restricted movement, it could be a sign of a different health issue that requires medical attention.
Arthritis is not just a problem for the elderly. While osteoarthritis does become more common with age, inflammatory types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis can occur at any age. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial for maintaining joint health and preserving mobility.