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Radiologists believe they've figured out why knuckles crack, and the good news is that the noise does no immediate harm to your hand.
Ultrasound readings of people cracking their knuckles reveal a bright flash, like a firework exploding in the joint, caused by a gas bubble in the joint.
Orthopaedic experts examined the hands of the participants in the knuckle-cracking study and found that the curious habit caused no apparent harm.
They didn't find any swelling or any loss in grip strength in people who were knuckle crackers versus those who weren't.
In fact, they found that knuckles tended to enjoy a significant increase in range of motion after cracking!
Read more about the causes, symptoms and treatment for this painful type of inflammatory arthritis.
For all the latest news, visit the Health24 Arthritis Centre.
