Is it safe to crack your knuckles?

It’s time to bust some age-old myths. ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( In a Nutshell When it comes to knuckle cracking, most people usually feel one of two ways: pure disgust or ultimate satisfaction. No matter which camp you fall into, you’ve probably heard that cracking your knuckles can lead to potential side effects. But can this common habit really make your knuckles larger? Or give you arthritis? Let’s ~crack~ down on the available evidence to sort fact from fiction once and for all. Here are some new health stories to add to your queue: • [Best teas to drink to lower your blood pressure]( • [Does anesthesia have an effect on memory?]( • [How to get through hard days while living with breast cancer]( Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Morgan Mandriota October 20, 2023 • 3 min read [Knuckle-cracking misconceptions debunked]( what’s got us buzzing [Knuckle-cracking misconceptions debunked]( 👊 Are there any real risks to cracking my knuckles? Nope! If you’re part of the [54%]( of folks who love cracking their knuckles, rest assured that no studies have confirmed any serious side effects. That means no [arthritis](, enlarged knuckles, or reduced grip strength. Phew! Careful, though, you could dislocate your finger and injure the surrounding ligaments. (But only if you yank it hard enough or in the wrong direction.) 💨 So what actually happens when you crack your knuckles? Apparently, [that still isn’t fully understood](. But theories suggest it’s from an air cavity forming or collapsing between the joints. ⚠️ Are there any reasons I should stop? Maybe! Consider stopping if you experience pain and swelling when you do it (which shouldn’t happen!), it bothers those around you, or it’s an anxious habit that you want to break. Cracking your knuckles can also exacerbate symptoms of underlying health conditions, such as arthritis and gout. ✋ How to crack down on knuckle cracking. First, become aware of when and why you’re doing it. Is it usually out of nerves or habit? Try deep breathing exercises or [playing with a fidget toy]( instead. Swapping cracking your knuckles for other stress-reducing strategies like these can help chill you out and reduce the chance of irritating your fingers or friends. If you can’t stop cracking your knuckles, consider looking into the symptoms and potential causes of fidgeting. Great finds Get your hands on this [ZAYAD Reacher Grabber Mobility Aid]( [ZAYAD Reacher Grabber Mobility Aid]( Want to reach that cereal box on the top shelf? Or pick up the trash you dropped on the floor without bending down? Consider snagging this handy tool with an ergonomic handle that can easily extend to grab objects under 3 pounds. For about $20, this accessible mobility aid is great for older adults, disabled people, or anyone else who needs extra help picking things up and putting them down. [Buy now]( Every product we recommend has gone through [Healthline's vetting process](. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. Advertisement [Wondering if it's menopause? Go test yourself!]( The Labcorp OnDemand Menopause Test can give you insights on hormonal changes during your menopause journey. [LEARN MORE [→]]( [Wondering if it's menopause? Go test yourself!]( health stories you need What we’re reading next [] 💪🏻 [Best fitness activities for your 50s and beyond.]( These fun exercises can help get you moving and into healthier shape for years to come. 🦴 [Do not try the bone smashing TikTok trend.]( Yes, it’s as dangerous as it sounds. 🫁 [New treatments for severe asthma.]( About 17% of cases don’t respond to standard treatment methods. These therapies on the horizon might be able to change that! 🌱 [Love learning about natural health remedies?]( Sign up for our Natural newsletter to get our new wellness stories sent straight to your inbox with one click! Thanks for reading! How do you feel about cracking knuckles? Share your thoughts with us at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition.) 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