The number one question asked is, “Is popping/cracking your knuckles bad?” Well that question is going to be answered today. Most of you have heard from your parents or grandparents to not pop your knuckles because it’s bad for you. Well certain studies may show that those myths are not true and may be quite the opposite.
We all know a “cracker” or someone that pops their fingers. Almost 56% of people crack their knuckles. About 80% of people know someone that has been popping their knuckles. Almost all people have heard the myth that popping your knuckles will get you arthritis. Well this is in fact completely false.
Popping a knuckle happens when you move a joint quickly and a fluid inside is displaced creating a vacuum that gets filled by bubbles. In other words the synovial fluid in your joints gets sucked up and then compressed to make a popping noise. The main studied reason that people created this myth is because the noise is absolutely disgusting for some people. Actually popping your knuckles just makes them more flexible. So overall you may continue to pop your knuckles without consequence.
People who have never popped their knuckles before and those who have were compared and shown that the results are the same. Neither showed any signs of arthritis. Although knuckle poppers haven’t shown signs of arthritis most are recommended or should try and stop. Studies have shown that some poppers have had swollen hands or aching. Overall, there have only been 2 documented injuries for poppers. But still there is no risk for arthritis.
The myth that so many believed is fake. Just don’t try to hard or you may hurt yourself. Hopefully this blog allowed a new view of knuckle cracking to POP into your mind.
SOURCES:
“Cracking Knuckles: Does Cracking Knuckles Cause Arthritis?” Time, Time, time.com/3529225/cracking-knuckles-is-it-bad-for-you/.
Cohen, Elizabeth.
“Knuckle-Cracking Is Actually Good for You.” CNN, Cable News Network, 18 Aug. 2016, www.cnn.com/2016/08/18/health/knuckle-cracking-good-not-bad/index.html.