Knuckle Cracking
Most of you enjoy cracking your knuckles as it gives a kind of pleasure. But, have you ever thought what its consequences could be?It is considered that this bad habit can result in arthritis, weak grip, and inflammation. Read further to know what happens when you crack your knuckles.
What is Knuckle Cracking?
Knuckle cracking is the act of pulling bones apart to release air bubbles in the joints which produces a pop sound and also gives a feeling of relaxation to the person.
Why Do So Many People Enjoy Cracking Their Knuckles?
According to experts, knuckle cracking is a nervous habit and it can give a sense of relief and relaxation. People do it to seek relief from tension. Prevalence of this habit is more in men than women. According to estimations, between 25% and 54% of the people are habitual to knuckle cracking.
What Happens When You Crack Your Knuckles:
1. Arthritis:
- According to studies, there is no relation between knuckle cracking and arthritis.
- In 1998, Dr. Donald Unger researched knuckle cracking on his own hands. He cracked the knuckles of his left hand at least two times a day for 50 years.
- He estimated that his left hand’s knuckles were cracked at least 36,500 times. He concluded that after 50 years, neither of the hands developed arthritis and there were no differences between the two hands.
- The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences performed a study on a group of 215 people, 20% of whom cracked their knuckles regularly.
- Results showed 18.1 % of the knuckle crackers and 21.5 % of the non-knuckle crackers had arthritis in their hands.
- The researchers concluded that the chance of having arthritis is about the same whether you crack your knuckles or not.
