Arthritis: Cracking Knuckles a Cause and 3 More Myths Busted

Arthritis is a common ailment affecting millions, and myths such as whether cracking knuckles causes it lead to confusion and can get in the way of effectively dealing with arthritis.

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• Myth: Cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis and/or makes it worse.
• Facts: According to Harvard Health Publications, there is no evidence to support the notion that cracking knuckles will increase your risk of getting arthritis. The popping sound heard comes from bubbles popping in the fluid that lubricates the joints. While it does not cause arthritis, cracking your knuckles is a habit that can, over time, reduce the strength of your grip and lead to swollen hands.

• Myth: People with arthritis shouldn't exercise because it will make the pain worse.
• Facts: Dr. Elaine Husni, director of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Center Orthopedic and Rheumatologic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, tells Everyday Health that moving more is very important and that the more exercise a person gets, the better their range of motion will be. It can be helpful to begin with exercise that is less taxing on the joints, but exercise is good for everyone, arthritis patient or not.

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• Myth: Diet doesn’t play a role in arthritis.
• Facts: Registered dietician and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Lona Sandon tells Prevention that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and lots of vegetables can be helpful in alleviating arthritis pain. Patients with arthritis are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, so diet is very important for overall health.

• Myth: Achy joints equal arthritis.
• Facts: Not all joint pain means arthritis, says Husni. There are more than 50 different types of arthritis, but some joint pain is caused by injury to the area’s soft tissue or it could be bursitis, another type of inflammation. Husni recommends a visit with a physician who can properly investigate the root cause of achy joints and make the correct diagnosis.

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