Watch What Happens When You Crack Your Knuckles

It’s one of those things that almost everyone does at least once in their lives—crack their knuckles.

Whether you’re stretching your fingers after a long day of typing, or habitually popping them throughout the day, it’s a behavior ingrained in many of us.

But here’s the real question: Is cracking your knuckles harmful, or just an annoying habit?

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably been told time and again that cracking your knuckles can lead to arthritis or some other joint condition.

It’s an age-old warning passed down from parents, teachers, and even some well-meaning medical professionals.

But what if this widely held belief is completely wrong?

Let’s take a deeper dive into the science behind this habit.

What causes the distinctive popping sound when we crack our knuckles, and could it be doing any real harm to your body?

More importantly, what did a California doctor spend 60 years researching to find out the truth? The answers may surprise you.

The Mechanics of Cracking: What’s Really Happening in Your Joints?

First, let’s break down what happens when you crack your knuckles.

Synovial fluid is the lubricant that surrounds our joints.

This fluid helps to reduce friction and allows the bones in our joints to move smoothly.

When you stretch or pull your fingers, the joint is temporarily expanded, creating a slight vacuum within the fluid.

This causes the gas dissolved in the fluid to form tiny bubbles.

As soon as the joint moves back into place, those bubbles burst, creating that familiar popping or cracking sound.

This process is purely mechanical, driven by pressure changes in the fluid.

But here’s a quirky part: You can’t just crack the same knuckle twice in quick succession.

After a crack, the gas needs time to accumulate again, meaning that you’ll have to wait around 20 minutes before you can create the same popping sound again.

This is a simple biological rule—no gas, no pop. But does it pose any long-term risks?

The Controversy: Cracking Knuckles and Arthritis

For decades, cracking your knuckles has been linked to the development of arthritis, especially in the fingers.

The assumption was simple: the pressure created by popping your joints could wear down the cartilage, leading to joint degeneration and eventually arthritis.

Dr. Donald Unger, a California medical doctor, spent a staggering 60 years testing this theory.

He made it his life’s mission to prove or disprove the myth that cracking knuckles could lead to arthritis.

But rather than simply analyzing the general population, Dr. Unger took a very unique approach.

Dr. Unger’s 60-Year Experiment: Did Knuckle Cracking Cause Arthritis?

Dr. Unger’s experiment was not only unusual, but it was also remarkably dedicated. He cracked the knuckles of one hand and never cracked the knuckles of the other.

He did this for 60 years—that’s right, six decades of research on his own body! His goal was to provide scientific evidence of the effect, or lack thereof, of knuckle cracking on the development of arthritis.

After all those years, what did Dr. Unger find?

The results were astonishing—there was no difference in the development of arthritis between the hand he cracked and the one he left untouched.

His experiment showed that knuckle cracking did not lead to arthritis.

The long-standing belief that cracking your knuckles causes joint damage was scientifically debunked.

In fact, Dr. Unger’s efforts earned him a highly unusual recognition—a 2009 Ig Nobel Prize.

The Ig Nobel Prizes, for those unfamiliar, are awarded to research that “first makes people laugh, and then makes them think.”

Dr. Unger’s quirky but methodical approach to debunking the arthritis myth certainly accomplished both.

So, Is Cracking Your Knuckles Dangerous or Just Annoying?

Now that we’ve got the myth of arthritis out of the way, let’s talk about the real dangers (or lack thereof) of cracking your knuckles.

While it’s not likely to lead to arthritis, there are still some potential side effects to consider.

For one, cracking your knuckles constantly can irritate the ligaments and tendons around the joint, potentially leading to swelling or pain.

However, these effects are generally short-lived and aren’t as serious as arthritis.

It’s more of an annoyance for your body than a real health concern.

But let’s be honest—the real danger with knuckle cracking may be the social consequences.

You know the people who can’t resist cracking their knuckles in public, often at the most inopportune times?

If you’re one of them, you’re probably well aware of the eye rolls and irritated glances you receive from those around you.

For some, the sound is akin to nails on a chalkboard—a small annoyance that’s hard to ignore.

This may not be a health issue, but it’s certainly a social one.

And the truth is, no matter how harmless knuckle cracking is, it can drive people around you absolutely insane.

The Verdict: To Crack or Not to Crack?

So, what does all of this mean for you? Should you continue cracking your knuckles, or is it best to break the habit?

Here’s the good news:

There’s no need to worry about arthritis. Dr. Unger’s 60-year-long study debunked the myth that cracking knuckles leads to joint damage or arthritis. Cracking your knuckles is not harmful in terms of long-term joint health.

However, if you’re one of the many people who crack their knuckles habitually, it might be worth considering the potential for joint discomfort.

Frequent knuckle cracking can lead to minor inflammation and irritation in the long run.

If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort, it might be time to ease off the habit and give your joints some rest.

And if you’re worried about annoying your coworkers, friends, or family?

Well, it might be time to think about whether it’s worth it.

Just remember, your health is fine—but those around you might not feel the same way.

The Fascinating History of Knuckle Cracking Myths

It’s interesting to consider how myths like this one can persist for so long.

The idea that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis has been passed down through generations, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting it.

What we often find is that old beliefs become ingrained in our culture and family traditions, even when they are entirely unproven.

In fact, knuckle cracking has been a subject of discussion in popular culture for centuries.

From parents warning children about the dangers of cracking their knuckles to films and TV shows that feature characters nervously cracking their joints, this simple habit has been heavily stigmatized.

Yet, as we’ve seen with Dr. Unger’s research, these fears were based more on myth than science.

The Social and Psychological Side of Knuckle Cracking

Although cracking your knuckles is not likely to harm your health, there is a psychological and social component to the habit. Some people crack their knuckles simply out of habit, often without even thinking about it.

For others, it’s a stress-relieving behavior that offers a temporary sense of release.

Interestingly, psychologists have studied the reasons behind repetitive behaviors like knuckle cracking. Some suggest that it’s a way for individuals to deal with stress or anxiety.

Others argue that it may be linked to certain compulsions or habits that are hard to break.

Whatever the reason, it’s clear that for some people, cracking their knuckles provides a small sense of comfort or relief.