Why is it so satisfying to crack our joints?
Ok, It’s something many of us do, but we find it hard to admit and it’s important to clarify that we’re not actually breaking anything inside our hands. The explanation is simple, between our joints, we have synovial fluid that contains gas bubbles, primarily carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
According to experts, stretching these capsules too much creates a sort of vacuum, causing the pressure to quickly dissolve the bubbles within the capsule, resulting in the characteristic popping sound.
Popping your joints can provide a sense of physical relief and a temporary increase in joint mobility, according to orthopedic surgeon Rojeh Melikian. Moreover, the movement can stimulate nerve endings and release endorphins, reducing pain in our joints.
There’s also a psychological component, as the act can become a habit reinforced over time, leading to a placebo effect. An example of this is people who enjoy the popping sound simply for the pleasure of hearing it, not necessarily for any physical relief, like in the popular ASMR videos on TikTok.
Is It Bad to Crack our Knuckles?
Despite what friends and family may have warned, habitual joint cracking doesn’t seem to increase the risk of developing arthritis. Although this is a common fear tactic, “studies (dating back to 1998) have not shown a significant correlation between habitual knuckle cracking and the presence of osteoarthritis in the hands,” says Melikian.
Likewise, he points out that those who crack their hands a lot may develop considerable swelling compared to those who do not. They may also develop thicker cartilage. However, another important myth is that some people are said to lose strength in their grip.
In 2017, a study in Hand Surgery & Rehabilitation examined 35 people who habitually cracked their knuckles compared to those who did not, and it was found that their grip strength was not negatively affected.
What is recommended, however, is that if you have joints that frequently crack in other more delicate parts of the body, such as the spine, knees, tailbone, etc., you should at least seek a quick check-up with a specialized orthopedist, who could provide treatment to gradually reduce this.
This story was originally written in spanish by Alan Cruz for Cultura Colectiva.
