My son always cracks his knuckles. Can it affect him later in life?
– Dan

The medical literature isn't completely clear on this point. The answer may depend on the frequency of the knuckle cracking. Although knuckle cracking generally is not shown to cause arthritis, as some people have thought, habitual knuckle cracking may result in some hand swelling and impairment later in life.

For more information, check out these articles:
Bones, Muscles, and Joints
Old Wives' Tales

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: October 2006
Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD

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