A Doctor Cracked One Hand's Knuckles at Least 36,500 Times, and Neither Hand Got Arthritis

From medicaldaily.com

As a boy, Donald Unger was warned by his mother, several aunts, and later his mother-in-law that cracking his knuckles would give him arthritis. So he ran a test that lasted half a century. He cracked the knuckles of his left hand at least twice a day and left his right hand alone as a control.

By his own count, the left-hand knuckles were cracked at least 36,500 times. At the end, he found no arthritis in either hand and no apparent difference between them. The California physician reported the result in a 1998 letter to the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.

It remains one of the most famous single-person experiments in medicine, and the larger studies that followed have largely backed him up.

A Control Hand and a Lifetime of Pops

Unger, an allergist in Thousand Oaks, California, wrote that the knuckles on his right hand cracked only rarely and on their own. He described his one-man study as a preliminary investigation and wrote that it suggested no link between knuckle cracking and arthritis in the fingers.

The work earned him the 2009 Ig Nobel Prize in Medicine, the satirical award for research that makes people laugh and then think. By then, the prize citation noted, he had kept up the habit for more than 60 years. "I'm looking at my fingers, and there is not the slightest sign of arthritis in either hand," Unger said, according to China Daily's coverage of the ceremony.

Unger stressed that he had used no public funds. He had published scores of research papers as an allergist, yet none brought him the attention his knuckles did. He received the prize on Oct. 1, 2009, at Harvard's Sanders Theatre, where real Nobel laureates hand out the awards.

Larger Studies Reached the Same Answer

A study of one man, who was also the experimenter and the person judging the results, cannot settle a medical question. It was not randomized or blinded, and one person's genes and history may not apply to anyone else.

Bigger studies have since tested the idea. A 1990 study in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases evaluated 300 consecutive patients age 45 and older, 74 of whom were habitual knuckle crackers. The crackers were no more likely to have hand arthritis. They were, however, more likely to have hand swelling and lower grip strength.

In 2011, Kevin deWeber and colleagues published a case-control study in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. They surveyed 215 people ages 50 to 89 who had right-hand X-rays taken between 2003 and 2008. About 20% cracked their knuckles. Hand osteoarthritis was found in 18.1% of crackers and 21.5% of non-crackers, a difference that was not statistically significant.

Neither how many years people had cracked their knuckles nor how much they had done it in total was linked to arthritis in the joints they cracked. The researchers concluded that habitual knuckle cracking does not appear to be a risk factor for hand osteoarthritis. They listed recognized risk factors as prior joint injury, a family history of hand osteoarthritis, and heavy manual labour involving the hands.

The Pop Itself Took Decades to Explain

Scientists argued for decades about where the sound comes from. A 1947 X-ray study suggested the noise occurred when a gas-filled cavity suddenly formed as the joint surfaces separated. A 1971 study instead blamed a bubble collapsing.

In 2015, a team led by Gregory Kawchuk of the University of Alberta used real-time MRI to watch a volunteer's finger joints as each was pulled until it cracked. Their study in PLOS ONE found that each crack happened faster than a single 310-millisecond imaging frame. Every crack coincided with a cavity forming in the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint, supporting the original 1947 explanation.

The cavity did not collapse while the finger was still being pulled. The researchers said their findings offer a new framework for studying whether joint cracking has any health effects.

Not Arthritis, but Not Entirely Without Effects

The research so far points one way on arthritis, but the evidence has limits. Most studies are observational and rely on people remembering their own habits. No one has randomly assigned people to crack or not crack their knuckles for decades, the kind of trial that would be needed to settle the question.

The 1990 grip-strength finding has also not been consistently reproduced. A later ultrasound study from UC Davis found no immediate difference in grip strength after cracking, though it looked only at short-term effects. Separately, doctors have reported rare acute injuries, including a thumb ligament sprain, from forceful attempts to crack a joint.

For most people, the takeaway is reassuring. The habit may irritate the people nearby, but it has not been shown to cause arthritis. Anyone whose knuckle cracking causes pain, swelling, or reduced hand function should have it checked by a clinician, since those symptoms can signal other joint problems.

Key Questions Answered

What did Donald Unger do?

He cracked the knuckles of his left hand at least twice daily for about 50 years while leaving his right hand alone, then compared them.

What did he find?

Neither hand had arthritis, and he saw no apparent difference between them.

Does knuckle cracking cause arthritis?

Larger studies, including a 215-person case-control study, have not found a link between habitual knuckle cracking and hand osteoarthritis.

What makes the cracking sound?

A 2015 MRI study showed the sound coincides with a cavity suddenly forming in the joint fluid.

Is the habit completely harmless?

Not necessarily. A 1990 study linked it to hand swelling and weaker grip, and rare acute injuries have been reported.

https://www.medicaldaily.com/doctor-cracked-one-hand-knuckles-50-years-arthritis-480656 

Hand arthritis: Separating myth from reality

From northside.com

By Dr. Amanda Walsh

If you've noticed aching joints, stiffness in your fingers or difficulty opening jars, you're not alone. Hand arthritis affects millions of people and becomes increasingly common with age. Yet many misconceptions prevent people from seeking help or taking steps to manage their symptoms.

According to Dr. Amanda Walsh, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic hand and upper extremity surgeon with Northside Hospital Orthopaedics, understanding the facts about arthritis can help people stay active, protect hand function and find relief.

Myth: Arthritis is rare.

Reality: Hand arthritis is extremely common.

"At least one quarter of the population will have symptomatic hand arthritis in their life," Dr. Walsh said. She also noted that if doctors took X-rays of everyone older than 65, "about 80% of patients would have some sort of arthritis on their X-ray."

Arthritis develops when joint cartilage wears down, allowing bones to rub against one another. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased grip strength and visible changes in the appearance of finger joints.

Myth: Using your hands will wear them out.

Reality: Movement helps keep joints healthy.

Many people avoid activities because they worry they'll worsen arthritis. In reality, normal daily use of the hands is beneficial.

"Motion is lotion, especially in the fingers and the hand," said Dr. Walsh. "The more you move the fingers and the more you keep them moving and active, the healthier they're going to be."

While very heavy repetitive use can lead to overuse injuries that may lead to arthritis in the future, regular exercise, hobbies and everyday activities help maintain mobility and function.

Myth: If you have arthritis, you should stop doing the activities you enjoy.

Reality: Most hobbies can be continued with moderation.

Patients often assume they need to give up activities such as knitting, crafting or gardening. Dr. Walsh said that's usually not the case. In fact, she noted that knitting is "a great way to keep the fingers supple and keep things moving" and describes it as "almost like a type of therapy for the hand."

The key is to watch for symptoms and reduce activity if it causes significant pain.

Myth: Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.

Reality: There's no evidence that cracking joints leads to arthritis.

"While I tell patients, if it hurts to crack your joints, don’t do it; generally, I don't think you're causing arthritis by cracking your knuckles," Dr. Walsh said.

She explained that joint cracking is often blamed for arthritis, but research has not shown that it causes the condition.

Myth: Nothing can be done for arthritis.

Reality: Many effective treatments are available.

While arthritis cannot currently be cured by re-growing cartilage, symptoms can often be managed successfully through hand therapy, exercises, braces, medications and injections.

"You don't have to just live with it," Dr. Walsh said.

Myth: Surgery is inevitable.

Reality: Surgery is usually the last resort.

One of the biggest misconceptions Dr. Walsh hears is that seeing a hand surgeon automatically means surgery.

"Most patients never need surgery for their hands, and they can find relief with non-surgical treatments," she said.

Surgery is generally considered only when conservative treatments such as hand therapy, supportive splinting or injections no longer provide sufficient relief.

The Bottom Line

Hand arthritis is common, but it doesn't have to define your daily life. Staying active, keeping joints moving and seeking care when symptoms become bothersome can make a meaningful difference.

As Dr. Walsh reminds patients, "You don't have to just live with it." There are effective treatments available, and "not all of the solutions are surgery."

https://www.northside.com/about/news-center/article-details/hand-arthritis-separating-myth-from-reality 

Cracking your knuckles: Can this common habit really cause arthritis?

From futura-sciences.com

It's a sound that divides offices, living rooms, and family gatherings: the unmistakable pop of knuckles cracking. Some find it strangely satisfying, others grimace and warn, "You'll get arthritis!" But is there any truth to this old wives' tale, or is it just a well-popped myth?

Where Does the “Crack” Come From?

© Yura Yarema, Adobe Stock

Let’s face it, cracking your knuckles is about as commonplace as checking your phone when you wake up. You pull or bend a finger until that memorable “pop” occurs, and like clockwork, someone reminds you it’ll harm your joints. This belief is nothing new—it’s been around as long as, well, knuckle cracking itself. But according to current studies, the idea doesn’t really hold up.

Let’s clear up some terms first: scientific studies have specifically looked at a link between habitual knuckle cracking and osteoarthritis—the gradual wear and tear of a joint—not all forms of inflammatory arthritis that exist. That distinction is important, because the mechanisms and risks can be quite different.

The Science Behind the Snap

The noise doesn’t come from bones “jumping” or rubbing against one another. The joints in question are filled with synovial fluid, a lubricating liquid that helps your fingers move smoothly. When you rapidly pull the joint surfaces apart, the pressure inside that fluid drops, and a gas bubble forms. In 2015, researchers observed this phenomenon in real time using MRI in the base joints of the fingers (the metacarpophalangeal joints, for those who love a word bigger than their hand). The cracking sound lined up exactly with the sudden appearance of this gas cavity, which lingered briefly after the sound faded. In other words, nothing actually “breaks” inside your finger—the sound is just a quick, harmless physical event inside the joint fluid.

Not All Cracks Are Created Equal

This is pretty different from pain related to joint inflammation or injury. A voluntary crack—typically painless—shouldn’t be confused with spontaneous pain or discomfort you might suddenly feel in a joint or muscle. Your fingers are attached to bones, but the noise comes from inside the joint, not from bones grinding each other down. By itself, that snap doesn’t mean your cartilage is eroding, despite what your grandmother (or every roommate ever) might believe.

What Do Studies Say About Arthritis Risk?

The most frequently cited study on this topic compared 215 people aged 50 to 89 years, with and without X-ray evidence of hand osteoarthritis. Researchers looked at not just whether participants cracked their knuckles, but also how often and for how many years. The verdict: people who cracked their knuckles weren’t any more likely to develop osteoarthritis, and there was no connection with the total number of cracks over a lifetime.

A 2018 review came to the same broad conclusion: available studies—most of them observational—haven’t found any association between knuckle cracking and developing osteoarthritis. This doesn’t prove the risk is absolutely zero, since there aren’t many studies out there and most are dated. But today, there is no solid evidence to support the idea that this common habit triggers the disease.

However, if a cracking sound happens with pain, swelling, warmth, movement restriction, or after an injury, that’s another story. These symptoms can have a variety of causes and should be distinguished from the harmless, voluntary “pop.”

Given what we know, painless knuckle cracking is more likely to irritate those around you than it is to wreck your joints—or your future as a concert pianist. For now, there’s no proven link between habitual knuckle cracking and arthritis. Crack on (quietly) if you must!

https://www.futura-sciences.com/en/cracking-your-knuckles-can-this-common-habit-really-cause-arthritis_900303/

No, arthritis isn’t just an old person’s problem: Five common myths busted

From stuff.co.nz

More than 850,000 New Zealanders live with arthritis, but despite how common it is, plenty of myths and misconceptions remain.

We asked Arthritis New Zealand Mateponapona Aotearoa to bust five of the most common myths it hears every day.

                                                                                                                     Photo: 123rf

Myth 1: Arthritis is just part of getting older

False.

‘Oh, arthritis? That’s just something only old people get’ – right? Wrong, and I should know. In my early 40s (shut up, that’s not old), I got a severe form of reactive arthritis from a food bug. You can read about my ‘fun’ journey here.

Sure, osteoarthritis becomes more common as we age, but there are more than 140 types of arthritis, including mine. Arthritis affects people of all ages, including children, teenagers and young adults.

Bottom line: Arthritis can affect anyone, regardless of age.

Myth 2: If my X-ray shows arthritis, that's why I'm in pain

Not necessarily.

An X-ray gives you a snapshot of what the bones in your joints look like, but it doesn’t necessarily show the whole picture.

Arthritis NZ says that in some cases, people can have significant changes on an X-ray but experience very little pain, while in others, there may be severe pain despite only minor changes showing up on an X-ray.

X-rays are a piece of the puzzle, but healthcare professionals look at the person and their symptoms as a whole, rather than relying on an X-ray alone.

Bottom line: Treat the person, not just the X-ray.

Myth 3: Gout is caused by eating rich food and drinking too much alcohol

False.

Not everyone will know that gout is a form of arthritis. It develops when too much uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals in the joints, often because the kidneys aren't removing enough uric acid from the body. Genetics also play a major role.

While certain foods and alcohol can trigger attacks – such as beer, sugary food and drinks, liver, some meats and seafood – they aren't usually the underlying cause.

Thankfully, gout, although painful, is also highly treatable. Urate-lowering medication can help prevent attacks and protect the joints.

Bottom line: Gout can be effectively managed.

Myth 4: Exercise wears out your joints if you have arthritis

False.

A particularly bad bout of reactive arthritis for me came during Christmas one year. I could hardly walk without screaming in pain, but my partner, later husband, decided to buy me a Fitbit. The irony was dripping as I put it on my wrist.

But he was actually right – appropriate exercise can reduce pain, strengthen muscles and help maintain joint function.

Don’t push through pain, but find movement that works for you. Long-term inactivity won't help – it can lead to weaker muscles, stiffer joints and potentially more pain.

Bottom line: Movement can be one of the best ways to manage arthritis.

Myth 5: Osteoarthritis is just 'wear and tear'

Not anymore.

In the past, osteoarthritis was described as joints simply wearing out with age and use. Not now – we know it’s more complex than that.

Arthritis NZ describes it as a “whole-joint condition involving cartilage, bone, muscles and inflammation”.

“While age and previous injury can increase the risk, staying active, strengthening muscles and managing symptoms early can help people continue living well with osteoarthritis.”

Bottom line: Osteoarthritis is more complicated than simply "worn-out" joints.

Bonus: Cracking your knuckles gives you arthritis

False.

The cracking sound comes from changes involving gas within the fluid that lubricates your joints. There's no evidence that regularly cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/health/361010099/no-arthritis-isnt-just-old-persons-problem-five-common-myths-busted 

Is it true that … cracking your knuckles causes arthritis?

From theguardian.com

A physician who popped the joints on just one hand every day for over 60 years provides the answer 

"This is a common question I get asked over the dinner table,” says Kimme Hyrich, a rheumatologist and professor of epidemiology at the University of Manchester. And it’s no wonder – as many as 54% of us are habitual knuckle crackers, regularly making those distinctive popping noises as we manipulate the joints.

“The knuckle joint is a very tight space and there’s a little bit of fluid in it. When people crack their knuckles, they very temporarily enlarge the space,” says Hyrich. “The pressure drops and gas that’s dissolved in that fluid forms bubbles – and it’s the bursting of those bubbles that causes the sound.”

The type of arthritis people tend to worry about is osteoarthritis – the most common form. It’s a painful condition that causes swelling and stiffness in the joints, and becomes more common as we age. “We don’t fully understand the cause,” Hyrich says, “but genetics play a large role. Joint trauma is also a risk factor.”

                                                                         Illustration: Edith Pritchett/The Guardian

It’s probably this association with injury that fuels concerns about knuckle-cracking. “People are likely worried they’re damaging the joint,” she says.

But is there any actual harm? According to Hyrich, the evidence says no. “Researchers have looked at people with and without arthritis and asked whether they cracked their knuckles – there’s been no difference. Others have compared people who do and don’t crack their knuckles using X-rays – again, no difference.”

Perhaps the most famous example is a US physician who, in an effort to prove his mother wrong, cracked the knuckles on just one hand every day for over 60 years. When he finally had both hands assessed, there were no signs of arthritis in either.

So what kinds of trauma do increase your risk of osteoarthritis? “Sporting injuries,” Hyrich says, “such as breaking a bone near your joint, or tearing ligaments.” People who already have another kind of arthritis, such as the autoimmune condition rheumatoid arthritis, are also more prone to osteoarthritis.

Her best advice for avoiding it? “Maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay active, and keep to a healthy weight.”

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jul/21/is-it-true-cracking-knuckles-causes-arthritis

From knuckle cracking to weather: Doctors bust 10 common arthritis myths

From business-standard.com

From joint pain and cold weather to diet and exercise, doctors debunk 10 persistent myths about arthritis causes, treatment and prevention

Ever felt that nagging joint pain after a long day at your desk and wondered, “Is this arthritis?” Then reassured yourself with, “I’m too young for this”? Arthritis is often labelled an “old person’s disease”, but that’s just one of many persistent myths.

 

For this Fact-check Friday, we spoke to three top doctors who debunk 10 common arthritis myths that may be preventing people from taking timely and effective action.

                                            Arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, affecting daily movement and quality of life

Myth: Arthritis only affects the elderly

 

Many believe arthritis affects only the elderly. Not true. According to Dr Rajeev Ranjan, Rheumatologist at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, “Arthritis can happen to anyone—children, young adults, middle-aged, or older people. Old-age arthritis is often due to wear and tear, but there are over 100 types, many of which affect people of all ages.”

Dr Jayant Arora, Senior Director and Unit Head – Orthopaedics, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, explained that while osteoarthritis is common among older adults, conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile arthritis affect young adults and even children.

 

“Don’t ignore joint pain just because you’re young,” added Dr Tarun Suri, Head – Orthopaedics and Ortho Spine Surgery, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. “Arthritis isn’t age-specific—it depends on the type and cause.”

Myth: Knuckle cracking causes arthritis

 

That familiar warning—“Stop cracking your knuckles or you’ll get arthritis”—is a myth. Dr Ranjan said, “Knuckle cracking is caused by pressure changes in the joint, creating gas bubbles that pop. It doesn’t cause arthritis.”

Dr Arora added, “There’s no scientific evidence linking knuckle cracking to arthritis. It may irritate soft tissues but won’t cause joint disease.”

“This myth is widespread,” said Dr Suri, “but arthritis is caused by genetics, autoimmune disorders, trauma, or degeneration—not knuckle habits. Excessive, forceful cracking may strain tissues, but it’s not a root cause.”

 

Myth: People with arthritis should avoid exercise

 

Many assume rest is best when joints hurt. Doctors say that’s a damaging myth. “Avoiding movement is one of the worst things arthritis patients can do,” said Dr Suri. “Exercise improves blood flow, joint lubrication, and overall function.”

“Regular exercise is essential, even for arthritis patients,” Dr Ranjan said. “Movement reduces stiffness and strengthens muscles around joints. Of course, rest is advised during acute flare-ups.”

 

“Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga help maintain flexibility and strength,” added Dr Arora. “The key is to tailor your routine to your condition.”

 

Myth: Cold weather causes arthritis

 

Cold weather doesn’t cause arthritis—but it can make symptoms feel worse. “Many patients report more pain in winter, but the weather doesn’t cause arthritis,” said Dr Suri.

 

Dr Ranjan explained, “Nerve endings become more sensitive in the cold, increasing pain perception. But cold is not the root cause.”

“Genetics, autoimmune factors, and injury play a larger role,” added Dr Arora. “Staying warm and active helps, but don’t blame the weather.”

 

Myth: Arthritis is untreatable and lifelong

 

One of the most harmful myths is that arthritis cannot be treated. “Arthritis may not always be curable—especially degenerative forms—but it’s absolutely manageable,” said Dr Suri. “Modern medicine allows patients to live pain-free, active lives.”

 

Dr Ranjan agreed: “Don’t accept joint pain as normal. Early treatment can prevent long-term damage.”

Myth: Nightshade vegetables worsen arthritis

 

Some believe avoiding nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, brinjals (eggplants), and potatoes can cure arthritis. “This is a myth not supported by science,” said Dr Suri. “These vegetables contain solanine, but studies don’t show consistent links between them and arthritis flare-ups.”

“Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene—anti-inflammatory compounds,” Dr Ranjan added. “Eliminating them without cause could create nutritional gaps.”

 

“Diet plays a supportive role, not a curative one,” said Dr Arora. “You still need medical intervention.”

 

Myth: All joint pain means arthritis

 

Not always. “Joint pain alone doesn’t confirm arthritis,” said Dr Ranjan. “It must be accompanied by swelling, stiffness, or reduced mobility.”

 

Dr Arora noted, “Pain can stem from tendonitis, vitamin deficiencies, overuse, injury, or infections. Diagnosis is crucial.”

 

“Other causes include muscle strain, sprains, postural issues, or vascular conditions,” said Dr Suri. “Blood tests, imaging, and symptom history are essential for diagnosis.”

Myth: Women get arthritis because they are weaker

 

Absolutely not. “Women do have higher rates of autoimmune arthritis due to hormonal and immunological factors—but it’s not because they are weaker,” said Dr Suri.

 

“Women have more reactive immune systems, which raises their risk,” he explained. “Men, on the other hand, are more prone to gout and ankylosing spondylitis.” 

 

Myth: Arthritis only affects your knees

 

Knees are commonly affected, but arthritis can target any joint. “Hands, hips, spine, shoulders, jaw—virtually any joint can be involved,” said Dr Suri.

 

“Rheumatoid arthritis often starts in the fingers. Psoriatic arthritis can affect the spine and pelvis. Gout typically begins in the big toe,” he added.

Myth: Oil massages and home remedies can cure arthritis

 

“Massage may ease symptoms but doesn’t cure arthritis,” said Dr Ranjan. “Scientific treatment is essential.”

 

“Incorrect massage can worsen inflammation,” said Dr Arora.

 

“Arthritis is complex. Management involves medication, physiotherapy, and sometimes surgery,” said Dr Suri. “Home remedies may support treatment but cannot replace it.”

 

Arthritis might sound daunting, but with the right knowledge and timely action, it’s manageable—even if you’re young or office-bound. Don’t dismiss persistent joint pain as mere wear and tear. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a major difference.

This report is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

https://www.business-standard.com/health/arthritis-myths-busted-knuckle-cracking-weather-exercise-diet-pain-125060600104_1.html