It is also possible that as kids people realize that cracking knuckles produces a funny noise and may repeat cracking just to produce the sound.

Within the space of this capsule the synovial fluid is contained which acts as a lubricant and also contains nutrients for the adjacent bone surfaces.

When one cracks a knuckle, the stretching of the capsule lowers the pressure inside the joint and creates a vacuum which is filled by the gas previously dissolved in the synovial fluid.

It takes a while until these gases are re-dissolved in the synovial fluid which explains why knuckles cannot be re-cracked immediately.

However, a couple of reports in the medical literature are available associating knuckle cracking with injury of the ligaments surrounding the joint or dislocation of the tendons ( attachments of muscles to bones) which improved with conservative treatment.

A study found that after many years of cracking habitual knuckle crackers may have reduced grip strength compared with people not cracking their knuckles.

The causes for either are not well known and research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms leading to these diseases.

In general a genetic predisposition is highly likely for both.

For the inflammatory arthritis an unknown exposure to environmental stimuli is considered possible.

For the wear and tear arthritis instead, aging and excessive mechanical stress may play a role in accelerating the damage in the joints as it happens in the knees of genetically predisposed older obese people.

In limited studies performed there was no change in occurrence of arthritis between habitual knuckle crackers and non crackers.

Physicians and other health care professionals are encouraged to consult other sources and confirm the information contained within this site.

Consumers should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something they may have read on this website.

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