Cracking your knuckles – is it really bad for you?

For many people, stretching is a normal part of their morning routine after they wake up. Stretching can make cracking noises, which some people like to produce with their fingers as well. The louder the cracking, the more satisfying it is. Some people feel they need to crack their knuckles to help relax, but for those who hear it, the sound can make the hairs on their neck stand up. People usually respond with the same kinds of comments: that you should stop cracking your knuckles immediately and it's bad for you. But is it actually?

Just an old wives' tale

If you've got used to cracking your knuckles, you might do it without even thinking about what sort of negative impact it could have on your fingers. But don't worry: it isn't actually bad for you. There's no evidence that stretching your finger joints is harmful. It also doesn't lead to osteoarthritis or joint inflammation (arthritis). It's simply a habit. But one thing that's certain is that cracking isn't necessary for relaxing your fingers, even if people who crack their knuckles feel that it's a nice way to loosen up.

Why does it make a cracking sound?

The human body contains around 100 joints that connect around twice as many bones. As in other parts of the body, the joints in the fingers function as connectors that allow you to move properly. By stretching your fingers, you expand the space between the knuckles which creates a vacuum, and air then escapes. The result is a popping sound or the familiar crack.

Stop for the sake of those around you

As with many habits, it's not easy to stop cracking your knuckles. But if the noise is making people around you uncomfortable, you'll need to draw upon some willpower in order to keep the peace. The following tips can help you kick the habit:

• You should pinpoint when you like to crack your knuckles. The best thing to do is keep a knuckle-cracking log so that you can determine within a few days what situations prompt you to do it.
• Once you know, you should come up with a different way of reacting to those moments instead of cracking your knuckles. One alternative could be taking a couple of deep breaths.
• If necessary, you can introduce a consequence for yourself, such as having to deposit a franc into a piggy bank every time you crack your knuckles. Then you'll start to associate the habit with something negative, and every time you go to crack your knuckles you'll think twice about whether it's worth it.
  
  

22.02.2023