Some people are freaked out by the sound of cracking your knuckles and others can’t imagine a day without a crack. Kids become fascinated with the popping sound that happens when you twist your joints, and it can become habitual as they age. It typically starts with finger cracking, and then they learn to bend and twist other joints to get those magical pops.

Most adults preach the doctrine that cracking your knuckles makes you destined to develop arthritis. Contrary to popular belief, there is no definitive link between knuckle cracking and arthritis, or any other medical condition. This rumor is so prevalent because people find that popping sound annoying. Certain studies imply that knuckle cracking may lead to swelling, but no study has proven this direct connection.

Why Do Knuckles Pop?

You don’t have to worry about joints that pop, provided the cracking isn’t followed by immediate pain. Most joints crack because the muscle is tight, causing friction around the bones. The joints pull apart when you crack your knuckles, creating somewhat of a cavity. The cracking noise comes from the formation of that cavity. Gases, primarily carbon dioxide and nitrogen, fill the cavity before reentering the joint. Tendons that rub against joints can also cause the sound. You may notice that the action has to be quick for the pop to be heard. A slow movement typically doesn’t yield a pop.

Is Cracking Your Knuckles Bad For You?

People who crack their knuckles have gotten a bad reputation over the years, but it’s time for knuckle crackers to rejoice because it isn’t bad for you! You may be wondering about the other joints in your body, though. Consider your neck, back, knees, and ankles. If they naturally crack on their own, enjoy the feeling. People who purposefully crack these joints typically do it because they are experiencing pain and trying to provide relief. Forcing the crack can actually over-stretch your ligaments, pull your muscles, or misalign your spine, ultimately restricting mobility.

Cracking your neck or back only provides temporary relief. It is best to seek professional treatment to understand why you are experiencing pain. Try to visit a chiropractor and see what his or her professional opinion is. He or she may be able to help you strengthen and stabilize the area of pain, which may result in you cracking your body less. You may also benefit from stretching or gentle yoga poses.

While you probably shouldn’t crack every joint every hour of the day, cracking your knuckles isn’t hurting anyone, except for the people around you. Remember: if it hurts, you may want to see a professional.

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Fall brings cooler temperatures and dryer air, which can wreak havoc on your hands. Your hands start to dry out and you may feel as though they never get moisturized, no matter how much lotion you put on them. It is hard for hand creams or lotions to really work their magic because most people wash their hands and dry them all day. So what are you supposed to do?

If you know that your hands get dry during the cooler months, it is important to apply a generous amount of moisturizer at night. This will allow the healing properties to set in. Here are a couple tips to moisturize dry hands during the fall and winter seasons.

Tip #1: Sleep in Socks

We know you are probably thinking, “Wait…I thought this article was about dry hands.” It still is, so don’t worry. We are instructing you to put socks on your hands when you go to bed. To help soothe your hands, massage Shea butter or coconut oil on your hands before putting socks over them. This gives your hands the TLC that they need. Make sure that the socks are thick enough to the point where the Shea butter or coconut oil won’t seep through onto your sheets.

When you wake up, your hands (and your nails) will be in much better shape. For best results concerning your fingernails, remove nail polish before doing the overnight sock treatment.

Tip #2: Choose the Best Hand Cream

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil contains awesome antioxidants that work to fight free radicals in the body. It also speeds up healing, while reducing possible scarring in the process. If you haven’t used it before, vitamin E oil is a great moisturizer for sensitive skin. Try a little bit on a small area before applying a large amount to your hands.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains saturated fat, which serves as a great moisturizer. Coconut oil is popularly used in the world of DIY health and beauty. The lauric acid in coconut oil works to kill bacteria and viruses, helping to sooth cracked knuckles or hands.

Olive Oil

Olive oil has been used as a beauty agent in the Mediterranean for many years. It is in most everyone’s pantry, just like it should be! It helps to soften the skin and make it more supple. Oh, and we forgot to mention that the healthy fatty acids have anti-aging benefits too!

Aloe Vera

While it may seem less appealing to use fresh aloe gel from the plant, it is truly beneficial for those with rough hands and knuckles. The properties in aloe work to calm inflammation and protect your skin’s outer layer. You can also moisturize with a combination of Aloe Vera and a few drops of vitamin E oil.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is absolutely ideal for softening hands and rehydrating dry skin. Because it is very thick, it is commonly mixed with vitamin E oil to make for easier application.

We hope you use some of these this fall and winter to keep your hands healthy and moisturized.

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