BBC Focus Magazine

[King Random]

I recently seen a site having this and said that it doesn't, but anyway, Does clicking your fingers/joints give you Arthritis?

[M Paul Lloyd]

All well now this is a subject that very much interests me in that I do suffer from Osteo Arthritis and I recall this, and the cracking of knuckles, coming up as possible causes for the condition in some peoples hands at some point in the past.

However, despite extensive research over the last few decades the picture is far from clear with the only real conclusion being that a number of factors contribute to the overall picture. It is thought that some could be hereditary, or connected to a persons chosen field of work or indeed what they choose to do in their liesure time or any combination of the above. But whilst one person who has lead an easy and generally healthy life with moderate excercise can still develope Arthritis someone who has lead a very active and unhealthy life may remain virtually free of problems.

Yes clicking your fingers could lead to Arthritis but not on its own and it is more likely that although it might accelerate the condition in your fingers just as vigerous general excercise can exacerbate the condition in your general limb joints it is not necessarily the cause of it.

[King Random]

Ok, thanks