Can cracking you knuckles cause arthritis?

Question

I have cracked my knuckles all my life,and I have been on the computer a lot lately. Both my hands hurt,especially the left one. I feel the pain in my fingers,wrists,and elbows. I am only 29,but I feel the pain come and go,but it seems worse at night. Does it sound like arthritis? At first I thought I just twisted my wrist or pulled a muscle,but now both hands are hurting. I will see my doctor,but in the mean time,what should I do? Will aleve work if I take it?

Answer 1

cracked knuckles never cause arthritis. you have to treat your cracked knuckles first and then you have to treat your associate problems like twisted wrist and pulled muscle. then, you have to reduce your pain by minimize your work burden.. after the proper treatment, you will progressively increase your work load and become a normal being. you are only 29. so it can't be a arthritis. get well soon.

Answer 2

Knuckle "cracking" is breaking a vacuum between the joints and is not known to cause anything but noise.

You are describing classic overuse syndrome from the constant position your forearms, wrists, and hands are in while typing.

An NSAID, such as Aleve (Naproxen) will do fine.  Personally, I take the 800 mg tablets of Advil (ibuprofen) for my arthritis, and it is excellent for pain management and reduction of swelling and inflammation.

I believe both may be available in generic, for sure the ibuprofen is.