May 13 2011

MumsAdviceWatch: If you keep cracking your knuckles you’ll get arthritis

Did your mum tell you not to crack your knuckles as it will give you arthritis?

Researchers at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, have published a retrospective case-control study of 215 people aged 50-89.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21383216?dopt=Abstract

Their conclusion

“A history of habitual Knuckle Cracking -including the total duration and total cumulative exposure-does not seem to be a risk factor for hand Osteoarthritis.”

You should celebrate by cracking your knuckles in front of your mum.