That signature crackle of your knuckles might earn you a scowl or two from nearby coworkers, or your mom might remind you that your knuckle-popping habits are going to give you arthritis. In this video, learn why this myth about cracking your knuckles is untrue.
References
Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Osteoarthritis.
Deweber, K., et al. (2011). Knuckle cracking and hand osteoarthritis. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.
Pappas, D. (2007). Knuckle cracking Q & A. Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.
Yildizgören, M. T., et al. (2017). Effects of habitual knuckle cracking on metacarpal cartilage thickness and grip strength. Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation.
Why trust our experts?
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MALauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Reviewed by:
Mandy Armitage, MDMandy Armitage, MD, has combined clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.
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