7: Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis – A Popping Myth Busted

This episode busts the widespread myth that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis. Despite the alarming popping sound, science shows that knuckle cracking is caused by gas bubbles collapsing in joint fluid, not by bones grinding or joint damage. Research, including a 60-year self-experiment by Dr. Donald Unger, found no link between knuckle cracking and arthritis. Medical institutions like the Arthritis Foundation and Johns Hopkins agree: the habit may be noisy or annoying, but it’s not harmful to your joints. The myth persists because the sound seems damaging and arthritis is common, making it easy to falsely associate the two. While excessive or forceful cracking could cause minor swelling or reduced grip strength, it won’t cause arthritis. In short, the myth is all noise — no damage.