Khaberni - Dr. Yelena Yanovskaya, a rheumatologist, reported that the distinctive sound from joint cracking results from cavitation; when the joint capsule suddenly expands, tiny gas bubbles form in the synovial fluid and immediately collapse. She affirmed that this is a natural physiological process and is not harmful in itself.
The doctor explained that the distinctive sound when cracking joints is due to cavitation; as the joint capsule suddenly stretches, tiny gas bubbles form in the synovial fluid and immediately collapse. She confirmed that this is a natural physiological process and is not harmful in itself.
She pointed out that recent scientific studies, including a long-term experiment conducted by Dr. Donald Unger, have not proven any link between joint cracking and the development of arthritis. Unger cracked the joints of one hand only for 60 years and found no effect on the condition of the joints. Modern medicine considers periodic cracking as a type of warm-up for the joints and does not lead to inflammation, deformities, or a weakening of the grip strength.
However, the expert warned that the continued sound of joint cracking with symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, or limited movement could be an indicator of real health problems, such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, or effects of previous injuries, which would require consulting a specialist to determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.
