Old Wives' Tale Medicine Biology

Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis

Research shows no connection to joint damage

Cracking your knuckles will cause arthritis or permanent joint damage.

Multiple scientific studies have found no causal link between knuckle cracking and arthritis. The popping sound comes from bubbles in joint fluid collapsing, a normal physiological process. Long-term studies, including one by Dr. Donald Unger who cracked only one hand's knuckles for 60 years, showed no increased arthritis risk.

Believed Since 1900
Year Revised 1975
Why Changed Discovery
Confidence Fully Debunked
Region Worldwide

Reception

8/10
6/10

Sources

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