The Truth About Cracking Your Knuckles (Can It Really Give You A…
Q&A with Organizational Pro Peter Walsh + Dermatologist Shares A…
Actor Hank Azaria + Freezer Meals + Artichokes 2 Ways with Rach
See Inside Barbara Corcoran's Stunning NY Apartment + It's Steak…
How to Make Chicken and Lobster Piccata | Richard Blais
Donnie Wahlberg Spills Details About NKOTB's First Ever Conventi…
Donnie Wahlberg + Jenny McCarthy Say Rach Is Such a "Joy" + Look…
The Best Moments From 17 Seasons of the Show Will Make You Laugh…
How to Make Crabby Carbonara | Rachael Ray
Rach Chats "Firsts" In Flashback From Our First Episode Ever In …
How to Make Apple-Cider Braised Pork Chop Sandwiches with Onion …
Rach's Chef Pals Say Goodbye to Show in Surprise Video Message
How to Make Sesame Cookies | Buddy Valastro
How to Make Tortilla with Potatoes, Piquillo Peppers and Mancheg…
How to Make Shrimp Burgers | Jacques Pepin
How to Make Spanakopipasta | Rachael Ray
Andrew McCarthy Chokes Up Discussing Emotional Trip to Spain wit…
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Andrew McCarthy Teases Upcoming "Brat Pack" Reunion Special
Michelle Obama Toasts Rach's 17 Years on the Air With a Heartfel…
You may have grown up hearing that cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis, but is that actually true? Family physician Dr. Jen Caudle says her patients ask this question all the time—so she’s finally setting the record straight.
FAQ: Does cracking knuckles actually cause arthritis?
"Cracking knuckles isn’t a great habit, but it probably won’t raise your risk for arthritis," Dr. Jen says.
"That’s the conclusion of several studies that compared rates of hand arthritis among habitual knuckle crackers and people who don’t crack their knuckles," she adds.
"When it comes to the sound your knuckles make when you crack them, when you crack your knuckles, it increases the space between your joints and hands. And gas bubbles that are in those spaces will actually pop or be crushed, and that’s the sound you hear," Dr. Caudle explains.
Dr. Caudle also addresses other FAQs on the best way to clean a wound, feeding a cold, starving a fever, using Q-tips to clean ear wax, swimming after eating and gargling with salt water for a sore throat.