Doctor explains if cracking joints actually causes arthritis

If you've cracked your knuckles, you've probably been told off, and warned that doing that will give you arthritis. But is this true or just a myth?

Well, according to Holland & Barrett'sformer Digital Health Lead, Fiona Sweny. “The cracking [or clicking] noise you hear is due to gas within the joint being released" - and there's a name for it. Called crepitus, the expert explains it's crucial you look after your joints.

A joint is where two bones come together to allow movement. For example, the knee acts as a "hinge", allowing the lower leg to move independently from the upper leg. They're kept stable by strong tissues called ligaments, which prevent the bones from twisting or separating too far as well as preventing dislocation.

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They're also surrounded by cartilage - a smooth and durable connective tissue - which works alongside everything to reduce friction as you move. But if you crack these joints, are you more at risk of future arthritis?

Will cracking my joints give me arthritis?

The good news is that, based on current research, there’s no direct link between arthritis and clicking joints. However, that doesn’t rule out any connection as some people with arthritis may experience painful, clicking joints due to cartilage damage caused by the condition.

Cracking joints are common for many, but they occur more often in people with hyper-mobility. Those with hyper-mobility can extend their joints beyond the normal range of motion and this extra flexibility can cause air pockets to form within the joint, leading to the cracking sound.

You may also find this happen as as you get older, likely due to the cartilage starting to naturally wear down over time. And if you have osteoarthritis, this could be another reason.

Why do my joints click?

The doctor reveals: "That clicking noise is usually the sound of bubbles popping inside you! It’s so far been thought that this could be because the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, which surrounds the synovial fluid, decreases, paving way for the cracking noise when carbon dioxide is released as a gas bubble into the joint cavity as the synovial fluid flows in the lower pressure region. Slowly, the gas bubbles burst and the popping noise can be heard."

She added: that when this happens, you might find that you aren’t able to ‘crack’ your joint again for a few minutes after - roughly 15 to 20 minutes - according to researchers. This is likely due to the gaseous bubbles taking time to dissolve in the synovial fluid and for the joint to return to its neutral position.

“[The clicking noise] can also be anatomical", the doctor reveals, adding: "If a ligament flicks over a bony prominence, for example, this can cause the cracking noise. However, noisy joints are very common and rarely a cause for concern."

How can I prevent joint clicking and pain?

Maintaining healthy, well-functioning joints is essential for day-to-day life. If you want to reduce the risk of joint clicking - or crepitus - the expert urges people to ensure they stay active, maintain a healthy weight and if you want to, take joint supplements.