Does knuckle cracking actually prevent arthirites?

Question

I've repeatedly heard that knuckle cracking causes arthirites but I have never heard anything said about if it prevents it since technically your flexing your bones doesn't that at least warrent some research.

Answer 1

No. It can worsen the pain and inflamation of arthritis in someone who has it or has a tendancy towards it, especially that affecting ligaments. People with arthritis have a cracking sound but they haven't found knuckle cracking to cause or prevent it.
http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/arthritis-basics
http://www.providence.org/Oregon/Health_Resource_Centers/Arthritis/AskAnExpert_Arthritis_knuckles.htm

Answer 2

No, there is no evidence that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.

When you "crack" your knuckles you are either pushing the joint back into or out of its normal position. Joints are the meeting points of two separate bones which are held together by connecting tissues and ligaments. When you stretch or pull your finger and hear that "cracking" noise, you are causing the bones to pull apart. Not everyone's joints crack. There is no scientific evidence that cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis. It can't be good to continue cracking your knuckles. It can also decrease your grip.

Answer 3

I don't think so--only good nutrition w/ glucosamine and condriton and good vit/mineral in-take!!! Genetic predispostion, I think, determines it --but you can combat the degeneration of the connective tissues with suppliments!! Esp important as you grow older!!! I'm 78, take lots of good suppliments and have good flexibility. BUT, stop the suppliments for a while and the joints in my hands start hurting and keeping me awake at night. Luckily, all I have to do it get back on the vits and mins!!!!!

Answer 4

Cracking your knuckles is not related to arthritis. R.A. is a virus and has nothing to do with flexing your bones.

Answer 5

no, but it does release the gas in your joints.