Popping those fingers?

Most of us do it, some of us dont even think about it, Im talking about cracking our fingers and toes.  What really goes on in our joints when we make that popping noise.  

Our knuckles are surrounded by a membrane that forms like a capsule around the ends of the bones. The membrane contains fluid which acts as a lubricant and shock absorbent so that the bones do not grind against each other. When we crack our knuckles, it expands the space between the bones creating negative pressure that draws the synovial fluid into the gap. This drawing of the synovial fluid into the gap is what causes the ‘pop’ sound and feeling when you crack your knuckles.

People crack their knuckles because at times, muscles and joints get stiff and cracking their knuckles feels therapeutic for them. Many of us absent-minded crack our knuckles when we feel like stretching or relaxing our fingers.

Now here’s some good news. Contrary to the popular myth, cracking knuckles does not lead to arthritis.  Anything within moderation is not harmful. Repeated cracking of the knuckles puts pressure and could damage the ligament tissue.

Though cracking of knuckles in the long run has no link to arthritis, it can possibly impair hand function by causing swelling of the hands and reduce one’s grip strength, however this theory has been debated from both sides of the table.