Final answer:
Cracking your knuckles does not cause osteoarthritis; it is a myth. Instead, factors like aging, joint injury, and physical stress contribute to the development of this condition. Proper exercise and stretching can actually benefit joint health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Doing cracking your knuckles to remove synovial fluid bubbles in your joints doesn't cause arthritis. This is a common myth about osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis associated with aging and "wear and tear" of the articular cartilage. Risk factors for developing osteoarthritis later in life include joint injury, physical labor, specific sports activities, and being overweight. Cracking knuckles may lead to tendon inflammation but not osteoarthritis. Exercise and stretching have beneficial effects on synovial joints by making the synovial fluid less viscous, improving joint function. About half of Americans may develop osteoarthritis, but knowledge about the condition's real causes is key to prevention and treatment, which may include lifestyle changes and medical interventions.