Do you enjoy breaking your knuckles (Fingers) check the disadvantages

Knuckle cracking is a common habit which anyone can develop. Even though you may enjoy the sensation it brings, it can drive the people around you crazy and lead to some unwanted side effects down the line. Although cracking your knuckles doesn't cause arthritis (as is sometimes claimed), one study found that it can lead to other problems such as joint swelling and loss of hand strength, or could even be a sign of more serious nervous disorders, depending on the severity and length of the habit.

While the verdict is still out in relation to whether or not cracking your knuckles is harmful, many people may want to stop because their friends or loved ones find it annoying, or they simple want to kick what can be a long-term habit.

Understand what causes the cracking sound. When you crack your knuckles, you are manipulating certain joints in the body in a manner that promotes the release of gas (currently thought to be primarily nitrogen) from synovial fluid. Synovial fluid exists within synovial joints, and its function is to reduce friction between cartilage. When a knuckle is cracked, the gases dissolved within the synovial fluid are compressed and form of a bubble. This bubble then bursts, making that familiar popping sound as it does so.

1. • It can take this released gas up to 30 minutes to dissolve back into the synovial fluid - that's why you usually have to wait a while before you can pop the knuckle again.
   • Cracking your knuckles stimulates the nerve ending and stretches out the joint, which is why it feels so good.^[1]
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   Be aware of the possible dangers of knuckle cracking. Although several studies have shown that knuckle cracking does not lead to arthritis, and although many will suffer no consequences after a lifetime engaging in the habit, some studies have suggested that people who crack their knuckles for long periods of time are at risk of developing the following symptoms:
   

   • Soft tissue damage to the joint capsule(s).
   • Damage to the hand's ligaments, the soft tissues that connect our bones.

5 Steps on How to stop Knuckle Cracking

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   Understand behavioral therapy. No matter how much you crack your knuckles, if you want to stop, then behavioral therapy techniques are the way to go.
   

   • In other words, cracking your knuckles is a behavior, so it is possible to use behavioral techniques to change your behavior. Simplifying a little, there are two basic forms of behavioral therapy: positive and negative.
   • Positive behavioral therapy includes techniques like reward systems: Set goals and give yourself (or your loved one) a reward for meeting those goals.
   • Negative techniques include minor punishments or other reminders to make the person aware of their habit, so they can stop. There are as many kinds of these techniques as there are people who would offer advice.
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   Keep your hands busy. Give your hands something else to do, other than knuckle cracking. Learn to twirl a pencil or a coin, for example.
   

   • Aspiring magicians practice moving a coin through, over, and around the fingers of one hand without touching anything else. A pen or pencil works too.
   • This exercise is truly good for anyone at any age. Developing finger strength, coordination,and manual dexterity can be fun too as you master a new skill rather than hurt yourself.
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   Take up a new hobby. Some kind of hobby that keeps your hands (and mind) busy is probably an excellent idea like drawing, writing, or arts and crafts.
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   Use the rubber band method. The single most classic behavioral method is to wrap a rubber band around your wrist.
   

   • When you notice you are about to crack your knuckles pull back on the rubber band and release, so it snaps back onto your skin.
   • The slight sting you feel may help you to break your habit, as you may eventually come to associate your knuckle cracking with pain.
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   Use other preventative methods. If the rubber band method doesn't appeal to you, there are several other things you can do to curb your cracking habit:
   

   • Carry a small hand lotion around with you in your pocket or purse. When you feel the urge to pop your knuckles, get out the lotion and rub it on your hands. This will give you something to do with your hands, while also leaving them soft and moisturized!
   • Have a friend put tape around your "knocking knuckles" or tape your fingertips to your palm to make a fist.
   • Put socks on your hands while watching television or doing other activities that don't require the use of your hands.
   • Keep a pen/pencil in your hand to prevent cracking or "strumming" your fingers.