Top Myths About Arthritis Regarding Cracking Knuckles, Age and Exercise

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in joints, with osteoarthritis the most common type. Arthritis, affecting one in five U.S. adults aged 45 years or older, is becoming more widespread with orthopedic surgeons increasingly seeing young adults in the 20s, 30s and 40s with advanced arthritis.

Age is one risk factor that tends to fuel one of many myths or misconceptions about arthritis. Charles M. Lawrie, M.D., a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at Baptist Health Orthopedic Care, explains that there are three top misconceptions about the degenerative joint disease.

Charles M. Lawrie, M.D., a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care.

 

Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis?

“Cracking your knuckles, doesn't actually cause arthritis,” said Dr. Lawrie. “Although people commonly believe that cracking your knuckles can lead to degeneration in your joints later in life, there's actually no evidence to suggest that in research. Furthermore, we're not even sure what causes the sound of the pop. When you crack your knuckles, it may be gas bubbles coming out of the joint fluid. But again, we're really not sure what causes that problem.”

The second common misconception about arthritis is that it only affects older patients. However, some patients just have a genetic disposition for osteoarthritis and develop end-stage arthritis in their hip or knee at a young age. Heredity, extra body weight, and injury or overuse are common risk factors for osteoarthritis among younger adults. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disease that mostly affects joints, and is more likely to appear at middle age. But younger adults can be afflicted with RA.

“Although arthritis is certainly more common in older patients, we do see arthritis form in joints all over the body in younger patients as a result of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, or sometimes bad sports injuries,” said Dr. Lawrie.

Another Common Misconception: Exercise Causes Arthritis

Does exercising cause arthritis? The short answer: No. Moreover, most exercise routines can improve the common symptoms of arthritis.

Arthritis pain naturally causes many adults to slow down and limit activity. Not exercising, however, can result in more problems, states the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). “Recent research shows that over time inactivity actually worsens osteoarthritis pain, and puts adults at greater risk for eventual total loss of mobility,” the AAOS states.

Because exercise is painful for so many adults with arthritis, it may be hard to understand how exercise helps to relieve pain. Here's how it helps, according to the AAOS:

• Exercise increases blood flow to cartilage, bringing it the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
• Specific exercises will strengthen the muscles that surround your joints. The stronger your muscles are, the more weight they can handle. As a result, the bones in your joints carry less weight, and your damaged cartilage is better protected.
• Exercise, of course, can help you with weight loss. Losing just a few pounds can make a big difference in the amount of stress you place on your weight-bearing joints, like your hips and knees.

“Certainly, bad injuries sustained during sporting activity can contribute to developing arthritis later in life,” said Dr. Lawrie. “But, the truth is that exercise can actually help keep your joints healthy and prevent the development of arthritis later in life.”