Mar 19, 2025 · “Knuckle cracking is when a person places traction or tension on a joint that can lead to a crack or pop sensation of the joint,” says Daniel J. Gittings, MD, an orthopedic hand surgeon with...

18 hours ago · Does cracking your knuckles actually hurt them? Luckily, a side effect of knuckle cracking is not the bends—or even a case of arthritis.

Jan 6, 2023 · Contrary to popular belief, knuckle cracking isn’t a dangerous habit. Studies show that, done correctly, it doesn’t cause arthritis or joint enlargement.

Oct 27, 2020 · If you want to crack your knuckles, it's unlikely to cause you harm. But if you want someone else to stop cracking their knuckles, you'll need a better reason than telling them they're …

Jul 10, 2025 · Cracking your knuckles is generally harmless and there's no evidence showing it harms the body, according to Azar. Regular knuckle-cracking won't cause the finger joints to become larger …

There’s a long list of myths and superstitions about knuckle cracking, but the one you probably heard most often was delivered by irritated parents or teachers when you were a kid: Cracking your …

4 days ago · Do you worry about cracking your knuckles? Fox Valley Orthopedics debunks the arthritis myth and explains the science behind the pop. Get the facts on joint health.

Jun 16, 2025 · The sound comes from harmless gas bubbles collapsing in the joint's synovial fluid. While excessive cracking might cause minor joint pain, it doesn’t lead to arthritis. The association between …

Feb 24, 2025 · Knuckle cracking is a biomechanical phenomenon involving the synovial joints, particularly those in the fingers. These joints are surrounded by a capsule filled with synovial fluid, …

Dec 30, 2025 · Cracking your knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis, a common myth debunked by science. The popping sound comes from gas bubbles (mostly nitrogen) in the synovial fluid bursting in the …