Mays Landing, NJ
We have all been told that cracking your knuckles will cause them to enlarge and eventually lead to arthritis. But is that really the truth? Can cracking your knuckles lead to something more than annoying the person sitting next to you? The truth is to be uncovered.
Many believe that cracking your knuckles can cause arthritis because it irritates your joints. Arthritis is the inflammation of joints, so it is understandable to see where that theory may have come from. But according to scientists and doctors the “pop” that one can hear when cracking their knuckles is really just bubbles bursting in the synovial fluid. Synovial fluid
helps lubricate the joints and when bones are pulled apart, the bubbles within the fluid pop, causing the cracking sound. This means that your joints are not being irritated and the chances of getting arthritis due to cracking your knuckles is zero to none.
However, cracking your knuckles is not a good habit due to studies showing that cracking your knuckles constantly can lead to reduced grip strength and injury. There have been at least two published reports regarding the relationship between cracking your knuckles and grip injuries. So, while cracking your knuckles will not cause arthritis, it may cause other types of injuries.
It is no myth that Stem-E has a ton to offer! Check out some more Stem-E publications!