Crack, crack, crack...

Well here I am, sitting at my computer contemplating what kind of amazing blog I’m going to write for you guys this week. And oh! What am I doing? I’m cracking my fingers! 

Unlike nail biting, this habit is very difficult to crack (pun intended). I’m sure many of you can relate. 

I have suffered from this habit for as long as I can remember and every time I do it I would get a lecture from someone telling me how bad it is or that I will get arthritis. What I would like to do is find out if this is true. Is knuckle cracking a problem that is bad for our health,     or is it simply another habit that comes upon us mindlessly? 

What exactly is knuckle cracking? 

Some of you may not want to know. However, for the rest of you; each of our joints contains a liquid called synovial fluid, which forms in small bags inside of our joints. As we pull our joints apart to hear or feel the “cracking” sensation, the bag is pulled apart and pops. One can hear the sound of popping as carbon dioxide is released from the bag.  Sounds painful... However, the bags reform and refill shortly after, which is why we can continue cracking our joints. ¹

Well, I had no idea that is how it worked. I also find it somewhat disturbing. It almost makes me want to stop this habit... Almost.

Another important question that should be answered is if this habit is bad for you?

People that are disgusted by the sound of knuckles popping will tell the individual that it can cause arthritis or other severe joint problems in the future just to make them stop. However, there are studies that show that this habit does not directly lead to arthritis. Nevertheless, it could possibly progress into other joint problems in the future. The constant bending and pulling of the joint can “overstretch their ligaments and cartilage,”¹, this could eventually lead to injuries with the tissues and can cause inflammation, swelling and poor grip. ¹

Yet for some people, cracking their knuckles can work as a stress reliever, even if the relief is only momentary. It can offer some relief while they are typing long essays or are spending long hours at the computer. Cracking their knuckles can relieve the stress and stiffness in their joints. ¹

As you can see, it is a complex habit. There isn’t a wrong opinion on this topic, however, it would be wise to remain cautious so you don’t harm the ligaments in your fingers. It’s a little scary to think about as I constantly crack and crack and crack. So what am I going to do? Just as with other habits, you must identify what you are feeling when you are doing them. May it be stress, anxiety, boredom; there is surely a feeling that causes you to do this. Personally those are the three feelings I find most common.

A little trick that you could use to stop this is by making a fist with your hand if your fingers are feeling tense or strained. Release it after about a minute. ¹ 
If this is a chronic problem for you and you need to fix it immediately, you could even try wearing socks over your hands.¹ Silly I know, but some people will try anything to save their joints from this trauma. I realize it is not 100% harmful, but it can’t possibly be good for us. Especially if one does it a lot. 
Another trick that I find quite ironic that can stop this habit is teaching your fingers to begin other habits that are less harmful, such as taping your fingers or playing with your hair. ¹

There are many things that could be done (quick tricks and tips), try and find something that floats your boat. I’m going to need to try everything to get rid of this habit. 

I believe that this habit has gotten out of hand for many and it is important to try and end it before it gets worse. It is important to control your feelings, identify them and deal with them intelligently. We wouldn’t want to affect the functionality of our hands by ignoring what our mind is trying to tell us about how we feel. Our hands are kind of important I’d say. 

I hope this was somewhat helpful! If you would like more information on this habit, comment and let me know!

Click here for further information containing facts and myths about this habit.

2 down, 6 to go!

Talk to you soon!

¹ http://www.expertclinic.org/Is-Cracking-Your-Knuckles-Bad.html