Cracking Knuckles
Short answer: No, cracking your knuckles will NOT cause arthritis.
But it does correlate to a few other hand problems. In a paper looking at 300 individuals aged 45 and over, 76 of them admitted to being habitual knuckle crackers [1]. There was no predominant increase in arthritis in either group. However the cracking knuckles group was found to have a higher rate of hand swelling and lower grip strength. A correlation to be sure, and not necessarily an effect.
Though this is the results from one rather limited study. It seems as popular as knuckle cracking is, looking into the subject empirically just isn't.
The few articles on the subject conclude there is no cause and effect where knuckle cracking leads to arthritis. Most of them also conclude that you shouldn't do it anyway. If nothing else, it potentially annoys those around you.
References:
- [1] Castellanos J. Axelrod D. "Effect of habitual knuckle cracking on hand function". Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 49(5):308-9. 1990. ARD Online.
posted by Aaron at
6:04 PM |
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5 comments from:
,
Aaron,
Andrew,
Aaron,
Lucas,
5 Comments:
Why do I get the feeling that this post was prompted by one too many dirty looks from me? :o)
By
Anonymous, on 1/30/2006 9:55 PM
It was actually it was a request.
But after doing some research, I think I'm willing to try to quit.
By
Aaron, on 1/30/2006 10:01 PM
Hah, now I know why you were asking me about that clip, right?. Funny stuff.
By
Andrew, on 1/31/2006 6:23 PM
Exactly, if you check out this video at time 5:04, you'll see a great clip of knuckle cracking action. If anime characters can do it without arthritis, the rest of must be able too!
By
Aaron, on 1/31/2006 11:32 PM
I before E except after C! Helpful rhyming reminder or sinister lie perpetuated on our youth? I must know!
Well, no. I've got nothing.
By
Lucas, on 2/01/2006 10:17 PM
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