People have different bad habits. This does not mean smoking, alcohol or drugs. Some people like to drum their fingers on the table while talking, others like to swing their legs to the beat of the spoken words, and some people crack their knuckles without thinking about whether cracking their fingers is harmful. They don’t notice how annoying it is to others, they just like it and that’s all, especially if after the click they pull back their finger and crunch again. Some do this when they are nervous, others out of habit, without noticing. But this is not a harmless activity at all. Firstly, addiction occurs and the person snaps his fingers automatically. Secondly, this process causes changes in the cartilage of the joints, which leads to their deformation.
Why do my fingers crunch?
Fans of cracking their fingers explain their addiction as a way to relieve tension from numb fingers. But how can they become numb if they are constantly moving? Yes, with prolonged immobilization, tension increases in the joints. To remove it, people crack their knuckles.
After this, they feel better because the ratio of the articular surfaces is restored and the pressure in the area of their connection decreases. In this case, the intra-articular fluid begins to fluctuate strongly, as if boiling, and forms air bubbles. It is they that burst when squeezed and cause a clicking sound. This phenomenon was described in the process of scientists conducting an experiment, where the entire manipulation was recorded on an x-ray image.
The opinion of orthopedists does not coincide with the statement of scientists. They believe that the click is a consequence of microtraumas of the tendons and ligaments, which, when stretched, produce a characteristic crunch.
You can't crack your knuckles
Doctors insist that frequent stretching of joints causes them to become loose. Thinks the same most of ordinary people. There are diseases that cause a characteristic crunch in the joints and this has nothing to do with a bad habit.
If you have these violations, you should not snap your fingers. This leads to even greater injury to the joints and causes acute inflammatory processes in them.
Should I see a doctor?
Crunching of the finger joints may indicate the development of serious joint diseases or the presence of congenital pathologies (this was mentioned above). Therefore, it cannot be said with certainty that cracking joints are due to a bad habit. When clicking occurs, visit an orthopedist to conduct an appropriate diagnostic study and rule out the presence of other diseases of the musculoskeletal system. If such violations are not observed, then try to get rid of the habit so as not to cause the development of joint diseases.
If the crunch is caused by destructive changes in bone and cartilage tissue, then treat the pathological processes. In this case, complex treatment is carried out (drug therapy, diet, physical therapy, compliance with the work regime).
Harm from cracking fingers
Children, inheriting adults, often repeat different movements and habits after them. You can notice how children crack their fingers even in kindergarten. Already at this age, they may begin to develop joint pathologies, since children's bones and cartilage are not strong, so they are more quickly subject to deformation. If such a habit is noticed, contact a pediatrician or psychologist for advice on how to properly wean the child from such actions.
As young people, they do not think about the consequences of their bad habits. Therefore, they do not attach importance to the warning that such manipulation is harmful and leads to the development of pathological processes in the joints. At a young age there are no changes in joint joints, but with age everything changes. Appears:
Scientists say that constant stretching of the finger joints leads to a decrease in their elasticity, frequent dislocations and irritation of nearby nerves. Also, frequent overload of joints leads to abrasion of cartilage and bone surfaces and impaired mobility. That is, a minor bad habit leads to significant consequences - arthritis. But this has not been clinically proven.
There is no statistical evidence to support that arthritis is caused by cracking your knuckles. An addiction is the impetus for the occurrence of this disease in people with a predisposition to joint pathologies.
There is another opinion. A doctor from California, Donald Unger, clicked the joints of one hand for 60 years and did not notice any abnormalities in the functioning of the joints, that is, this procedure did not cause him harm, but there was no benefit either, since the joint was not particularly mobile. Perhaps there was no joint deformation due to individual characteristics scientist's body. After all, not every person is predisposed to diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
In any case, you need to get rid of this habit so as not to provoke joint diseases and not irritate others.
How to break the habit
Most people claim that they crack their knuckles only in a state of emotional excitement, because this makes it easier for them to relieve tension and concentrate on something specific. If this happens rarely, then it's okay.
When the process is repeated systematically, it acquires the status of a bad habit, which is very difficult to get rid of on your own. Psychological dependence appears. Then a person constantly needs to control his movements and, instead of stretching his joints, do mini exercises:
Often people who have bad habits bring their execution to the point of automatism. If you don’t pay their attention during the manipulation, they won’t even remember about it, and most often they will deny it. this fact. Therefore, in order to get rid of such a habit, you need to constantly control yourself and stop clicking if you notice it. If you cannot do this yourself, then ask your family or work colleagues to make comments every time you stretch your fingers.
If the clicking is associated with emotional experiences, then the patient should engage in work that would distract him and require increased concentration (drawing, needlework). If the patient does not associate the manifestation of the habit with any circumstances, he is recommended to write down all cases of finger snapping, as well as the reasons that caused them. Then it will be easier to get rid of the bad habit.
Warm baths with chamomile, pine needles, and sea salt. Helps fight bad sports habits. In this situation, you need to go swimming. With systematic training, it strengthens nervous system, the emotional state stabilizes, and the addiction to snapping fingers goes away on its own. Don't forget about foods containing calcium that strengthen bone and cartilage tissue (dairy products, fish). You need to eat nuts and legumes.
The longer a person suffers from this bad habit, the more effort is expended to get rid of it.
Conclusion
Considering the above, it is impossible to say for sure whether cracking your knuckles is harmful or not. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the body (as in the case of the Californian scientist), the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system or a predisposition to joint pathologies. Therefore, each person, after weighing all the pros and cons, decides for himself: to get rid of bad habits or not.
It should be remembered that constant cracking of fingers is not as safe as it seems at first glance. When it appears, it is better to consult with a specialist so as not to miss the onset of the development of serious diseases. To maintain health until old age, you need to maintain it from youth, not subject your body to unnecessary procedures, and get rid of bad habits, even if they seem harmless.
Crunching in fingers- a common phenomenon in almost all age categories of people. It can be observed from infancy to old age.
The causes of crunching are varied, let's name the most common:
- Strong physical activity provokes excessive stretching of the ligaments, joints and bones;
- Sedentary lifestyle leads to atrophy not only of muscles, but also of the bone skeleton;
- Joint strains occurs when staying in one position for a long time;
- Congenital joint pathologies, when the joints are positioned freely relative to each other, clicks are heard as the bones move apart and return to their original position;
- immoderate carrying heavy objects;
- The crunch may indicate about joint diseases: bursitis (inflammation of the synovial bursa), tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons), arthritis (inflammation of the joints), arthrosis, rheumatism, etc. in this case, crunching will always be accompanied by pain;
- Injuries received can also cause crunching;
- Salt deposits, salt promotes hardening of cartilage, reduces tissue elasticity;
- Flaw calcium, liquid;
- Bad habit to relieve emotional stress, if necessary, to focus on any process, making important decisions;
- Mental disorder of varying severity.
The human skeletal system is designed specifically for movement. But any load should be moderate and reasonable for a particular organism.
Norm
The norm is a natural or physiological crunch, which is observed during movements, movements, sharp turns, and physical exercise. As a rule, such a crunch is practically inaudible.
And if it arises, This is beneficial for the joints, as the necessary, natural relaxation of the bone skeleton and muscles occurs. If the joints, cartilage, and tendons are in a healthy condition, then even when stretching and other natural stretches there should be no crunching.
Crunching may be normal when it occurs during physical activity, or after exertion, if it is not accompanied by pain symptoms, swelling, stiffness, redness and other unpleasant symptoms
Pathology
Pathological crunch delivers painful sensations, swelling appears, swelling is signs of joint deformation.
If this is a symptom of a disease or hereditary pathologies of joint development. Only a qualified orthopedist or surgeon can diagnose a disease or pathology.
When crunching fingers is not a symptom disease or pathology, and a person who likes to crunch expresses himself in this way, tries to attract the attention of others, or crunches precisely during nervous tension. A person with sore joints is unlikely to crack his fingers openly.
The desire to crunch for the public shows about a possible mental disorder. After all, you can find more adequate ways to express your personality. And perhaps drug therapy will be indicated. Consulting a psychotherapist will help solve this problem.
The mechanism of crunching in the fingers
In 1947, Canadian scientists conducted a study on the mechanism of the appearance of crunching in the fingers. Tests were carried out on volunteers whose fingers were stretched to the point of crunching and at this moment what was happening in the joints was recorded using MRI.
The conclusion was the following: when the joints are naturally or artificially stretched, the pressure drops sharply between them and a cavity is formed, which is filled with gas bubbles; when the joint is sharply bent, the bubbles burst with a specific pop.
Orthopedic doctors believe that the crunch occurs as a specific reaction of the joints and tendons to sudden bending
Benefits of crunching
In the medical environment there is no consensus on the benefits or harms of this action. There is no talk of benefits at all. Some scientists and doctors speak not about the obvious benefits of crunching, but about its harmless effect on the human body.
Allegedly, those who like to crunch in this way relieve tension, relax, and do not pose any threat to health.
There is a well-known example of a Californian doctor who cracked the fingers of one hand for 60 years, and after 60 years he did not notice the difference between his hands.
That is, both hands were healthy. But this is an isolated case. It would be unreasonable to draw global conclusions based on it. The benefits of crunching can be discussed when it accompanies morning stretching and exercise, or after working in one position for a long time.
Stiff muscles and ligaments are stretched and thus tension is relieved. Or when long work on the computer you need to relieve your fingers.
The harm of crunching
Most doctors and scientists speak out about the obvious dangers of crunching. Proving that uncontrolled crunching leads to deformation of the hands, loosening of joints, deficiency of synovial fluid, pinched nerve endings, dislocations, subluxations, swelling and swelling, inflammatory diseases of the joints.
It is known for sure that systematic crunching leads to fragility of the joints, and this can lead to more serious consequences. But also the aesthetic side of the issue: The crunch definitely creates a repulsive impression and raises doubts about the adequacy of the person who likes to crunch incessantly.
Consequences of crunching
As you know, each organism lives and develops according to its own individual laws. No one can guess whether there may be consequences of the crunch or not. If you intentionally crack your fingers several times in your life, then nothing bad will come of it.
But if this becomes a habit for many years, it can certainly have a very negative impact on the condition of the joints. Constant unnatural load on the joint mechanism cannot pass without leaving a trace.
The joint and ligamentous apparatus is destroyed very slowly, throughout life: first it becomes loose, loses elasticity, cracks appear, a deficiency of joint fluid occurs, causing the joints to rub against each other causing pain.
And all this leads to serious inflammatory joint diseases. In your younger years, you don’t see any consequences of bad habits; you will have to reap the fruits of your thoughtless actions in adulthood. If there is even a small amount of risk to your health, it makes sense to think about whether you need to ruin your health.
How to get rid of this habit?
If scientists are still arguing about the benefits and harms of crunching, it would be wise not to experiment on your health. And do not irritate other people with excessive crunching.
If doctors have diagnosed that crunching is not a symptom of a disease or pathology, but a bad habit, then you need to gradually abandon this habit. The main thing should be desire.
It is possible to replace the crunch with:
- Massage fingers, gradual rubbing of each finger from tip to base;
- Diversionary maneuvers solve a Rubik's cube, twirl the pen or balls in your hands;
- Charging for brushes, clenching and straightening of fists, rotation of hands clasped together, alternate flexion and extension of fingers, relaxation of hands by shaking;
- Sea salt baths or extracts of chamomile, sage, pine;
- Swimming. A wonderful sport that is shown in various diseases, primarily the bone apparatus. It also relieves psychological stress, relaxes muscles, and strengthens the immune system.
Prevention of cracking fingers
The complex of preventive measures is of particular importance for people with a hereditary predisposition to joint diseases, athletes and everyone who wants to maintain painless mobility of the skeletal skeleton into old age.
Let's outline the main events:
- healthy eating, be sure to include foods rich in calcium;
- Monitor your weight overweight overloads bones and joints;
- Use required quantity liquids, up to three liters in summer, up to two in winter;
- Move more, movements block congestion in the skeletal system;
- Safe sports activities choose a sport that will benefit the body;
- Avoid injury and heavy physical activity.
Answer to the question- Is it possible to crack your fingers? It will be like this: yes, you can, but first evaluate all the possible risks to your own health and the peace of mind of those around you.
For many people, it is important to know why their fingers crack, and whether this is a problem. Doctors refute the generally accepted opinion about the benefits of this activity and explain how to get rid of a bad habit.
Why do my fingers crunch?
Experts say that the real reason for cracking fingers is natural processes body. The mechanism for the occurrence of the characteristic crackling sound is as follows: the synovial membrane contains a special fluid that fills the space between the cartilages and acts as a natural lubricant.This substance includes several elements:
- oxygen
- carbon dioxide
Medical fact. A crunch that occurs periodically is not a pathology. Finding out the causes of this phenomenon will be required in case of its constant occurrence and the presence of uncomfortable sensations.
Why do my fingers crunch?
If finger crunching is accompanied by pain or deformation, the reasons for this may be:
- Salt deposits.
- Arthrosis.
- Traumatic factors.
- Abnormal mobility of joint elements.
Arthrosis causes joint wear and tear and the loss of their ability to perform natural functions. The disease is often accompanied by a cracking sound that occurs against the background of disruption of normal processes in the bones.
Injuries that lead to disruption of tissue integrity, excessive friction or displacement of joints also often provoke the appearance of crunching sounds. In some cases, a similar phenomenon occurs after damage to the capillaries or muscles adjacent to the joint capsule. Abnormal mobility of the joints often causes their accelerated aging and the appearance of crunching.
Good to know. Often the joints of the fingers make clicking sounds in babies. This process is explained by the immaturity of bones and the increased flexibility of cartilage characteristic of childhood. In the absence of genetic abnormalities, this phenomenon goes away on its own.
What happens if you crack your fingers?
The habit of cracking your fingers is not completely harmless.
Constant impact on joints can cause:
- pinched nerves
- tissue stretching
- dislocations
- bone deformities
- deficiency of synovial fluid
There is a whole set of exercises that can replace crunching your fingers and have a truly positive effect on your joints.
During the warm-up you will need:
- Imagine virtual “clicking” on the forehead and perform such movements 3 times with each finger.
- Squeeze all fingers one by one, starting with the little finger, then unclench in the reverse order. Repeat up to 3 times.
- Cross your fingers (imitating “scissors”) 4-5 times.
- Lock your fingers together. Holding them in front of you, make wave-like movements with them.
- Maintaining the previous position of your hands, raise them above your head and sharply lower them individually down.
Do I need to do something if my fingers are crunchy?
Crunching of fingers is not an independent disease, but in some cases there is a need for diagnosis and treatment. This becomes necessary when clicking and painful sensations occur simultaneously.
To make a diagnosis, specialists use the following methods:
- an x-ray that allows you to identify voids, erosions, and areas of thinning of cartilage tissue;
- MRI, which shows areas of the joint that are difficult to visualize on x-ray.
- arthroscopic analysis is a procedure that combines elements of diagnosis and therapy.
Important! Independent choice and uncontrolled use medical supplies can cause undesirable consequences and complications.
Crackling your fingers can be beneficial
Many orthopedists claim that the opinion that crunching is good for joints is not true. Also, this phenomenon does not eliminate finger numbness.The doctors' conclusion is clear - cracking your fingers can be neutral at best. It does not have a positive effect on the body. On the contrary, such manipulations can gradually cause loosening and deformation of the joints, the appearance of swelling and protrusion. The negative impact of crunching affects the thumbs the most.
Based on all of the above, we can confidently draw conclusions that intentionally crunching your fingers does not have a positive effect on your joints. In addition, movements that provoke cracking in the bones cause psychological dependence.
Why do your fingers crunch: video
An educational video will help you better understand the nature of the origin of crunching in your fingers and assess your own condition. Also, the participants in the video explain why you shouldn’t get too carried away with this seemingly harmless activity, and what its long-term negative consequences are.
The structure of the fingers implies their ability to fine motor skills, in which a person has the ability to grab various objects and hold them. To carry out these functions, the interphalangeal joints are included in the work, which in their structure are not much different from the large joints of bones. The joint cavity includes the heads of the conjugate bones, which are protected from friction between themselves by elastic cartilaginous tissue. The joint is formed by the ligamentous apparatus, which does not allow pathological movements and protects against injury. The internal cavity is filled with synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant during any movements. Normally, no third-party sounds are heard when flexing and extending the fingers.
The joints of the fingers crack only if there is a reason for this. It can be expressed in pathological changes in the ligamentous apparatus, cartilage or bone tissue. Sometimes there are cases of deficiency of synovial fluid, which promotes the free sliding of bone heads in the articular cavity. Let's try to consider everything possible reason crunching fingers in order.
The most common reason why fingers crack
No matter how trivial it may seem, the most common cause of the condition in which the fingers crunch lies in microscopic injuries that a person may not even notice. For example, if the hands are positioned incorrectly while working with a computer keyboard, amplitude vibrations occur in the interphalangeal joints, due to which the ligaments are sprained. Subsequently, this creates conditions for exceeding the limit of permissible extensibility of the articular cavity during finger straightening. At the same time, air bubbles from the surrounding tissues are drawn into the stretched joint. When bending, the air is squeezed out with a characteristic crunch. A slight click may also occur, which indicates that the joint is quite loose and is poorly fixed by the ligamentous apparatus.
In young people, the appearance of a crunch in the joints of the fingers may be associated with rheumatoid changes in cartilage, ankylosing spondylitis, household or sports injuries.
In old age, the joints of the fingers most often crack due to deforming osteoarthritis and arthritis. At the same time, on initial stage an inflammatory reaction is observed, which, due to swelling of the surrounding tissues, prevents the supply of sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the cartilage. Its destruction begins. The heads of the bones gradually become exposed and begin to rub against each other when moving. This may be accompanied by a characteristic crunching sound. This is accompanied by severe pain and limited mobility. Externally, the joints are swollen, hyperemic during an exacerbation and painful to the touch.
Is cracking your fingers harmful?
Some people gradually develop the bad habit of cracking their fingers. They specifically provoke maximum abduction of the phalanx and then sharply bend the phalanges in order to produce the corresponding sound.
Is cracking your fingers harmful? The answer to this question is quite clear. It is absolutely impossible to do this, especially systematically. In this way, you further stretch the already weakened ligaments. In the future, this can lead to a deficiency of synovial fluid, habitual dislocations, or deforming osteoarthritis.
Our clinic specialists manual therapy We are ready to provide you with assistance in eliminating crunching in your finger joints. Massage therapists and chiropractors will help restore normal blood supply, which helps restore the ligaments and cartilage. Specialists in physical therapy will help develop individual program gymnastics to improve the functioning of the interphalangeal joints of the hands.
