The Knuckle Cracking Habit

CEBU, Philippines - Our hands are a multi-fingered extremity at the end of the arm. They are responsible for holding and moving objects for us. When our hands are tired after a string of tasks, a feeling of satisfaction of cracking the knuckles is often resorted to.

Repetitive cracking or popping of knuckles is rumored to lead to joint problems such as painful arthritis. A research from the Journal of American Board of Medicine (JABM), however, reveals that habitual knuckle cracking is not necessarily an important risk factor for arthritis. But it can lead to a number of other negative side effects, the research says.

When a joint is "cracked," the gas excretes from the membrane, causing the characteristic "pop" sound. A similar sound may result when tendons are stretched quickly over a joint such as the fingers, wrists, ankles and neck. Knuckle cracking is often done automatically, often out of boredom.

While the risk of arthritis is out of knuckle cracking, there are other possible risks that go with the habit. People who constantly "pop" their fingers for a long period of time may eventually develop symptoms which include reduced hand strength, puffy or painful hands, soft tissue damage to the joint capsules and hand ligaments.

To avoid the habit, it helps to simply give the hands something else to do aside from knuckle cracking. Perhaps twirling a pencil or a coin will do, instead. It is enough to divert the urge to knuckle crack.

Keeping a small hand lotion handy is another good idea. Rubbing the hands with lotion every time there's an urge to crack the fingers will eventually stop the habit. Not only does it gives the hands something else to do, it also leaves them supple and moisturized.

Knuckle cracking may be a hip thing, especially among youngsters. It can make one look some kind of tough, perhaps. But such little benefit can have a grave downside.

Among those who already have the habit, it may take patience and some time to stop the practice. But it's all worth the effort. It's always wise to change courses on a trip that leads only to trouble later.