The 4th of July is one of the holidays that are associated with fireworks, making it a celebration to look forward to. The cracking and popping sounds are followed by a burst of color in many patterns and designs that light up the night sky. Most people enjoy the fireworks show, but cracking and popping of another type can be a major pet peeve.
Knuckle cracking is a very common habit, and although most people think about the hands when you say you crack your knuckles, the knuckles in your feet are another place popular place to crack. There can be side effects to cracking the knuckles in your feet, but you may be surprised by what they are.
What Happens When You Crack Your Knuckles?
Your knuckles are actually joints made up of a capsule filled with gas dissolved in fluid that covers the area where bones meet. When you crack your knuckles, the lower pressure in the joint causes a bubble to form that fills with the gasses that were previously dissolved in the fluid. This bubble of gas bursts and makes a cracking sound.
Have You Ever Tried to Crack Your Knuckles More Than Once at a Time?
The gas bubble that burst takes time to re-dissolve in the fluid. This is why you can’t crack your knuckles immediately after the first crack.
Does Knuckle Cracking Cause Arthritis?
Although many people think that cracking your knuckles will cause arthritis, there hasn’t been any medical research that has directly proven whether it does or doesn’t. Damage to the joint may be a side effect of knuckle cracking, and any damage in a joint will eventually lead to “wear and tear” arthritis.
What are the Possible Side Effects When You Crack Your Knuckles?
Long time knuckle crackers may experience:
- Injury to the Joint
- Injury to the Ligaments of the Joint
- Dislocation of the Tendons around the Joint (where muscles attach to bone)
- Decreased grip strength
Hollowbrook Foot Specialists in Wappingers Falls, NY can help you with the side effects of knuckle cracking. For more advice on how to avoid these side effects, set up an appointment today by clicking here or calling (845) 298 – 9074.
By: David Schlam
