I'm a general practitioner, and I work with a wide variety of cases in outpatient clinics, but there is one type of problem that I encounter almost every day – that is, patients are concerned about the sound of "clicking" fingers. Many people worry that this habit will lead to arthritis, and some patients even notice that their fingers are getting thicker and rush to ask if there is a problem with the joints. Today, I'd like to share a piece of my experience in the office, which is why I decided to write this article. One spring last year, I was approached by a middle-aged lady with her worries, and she had the same problem as so many people — often snapping her fingers. She was particularly concerned that it would cause damage to her finger joints, as she had noticed that her fingers were thicker than before. What made her even more anxious was that she was a piano teacher, and the dexterity of her fingers was crucial to her.
After examining her fingers and asking her about her lifestyle habits and hand movements in detail, I found that there were no other obvious signs of inflammation other than a "click" sound. After a series of joint function tests and some necessary tests, we ruled out the possibility of arthritis. The woman's thickened fingers were more due to the repetitive movements and use of her hands than to a disease.
The relationship between finger breaking and arthritis
First of all, we need to understand how finger snapping works. When you break your fingers, you are actually stretching the finger joints, and in this process, the air pressure in the joints decreases, causing the gas in the joint fluid to escape and form bubbles, producing a "click" sound. It is a physical phenomenon and usually does not harm the joints themselves. Several studies have explored the association between finger breaking and arthritis. For example, a decades-long study investigating the relationship between finger-breaking habits and the incidence of arthritis found that the incidence of arthritis was no higher in the finger-breaking population than in the general population. This suggests that occasional finger breaking does not directly cause arthritis. However, this does not mean that there are no risks associated with frequent finger breaking. Although there is no direct relationship between arthritis and finger breaking, excessive or forceful finger breaking can cause joint damage or accelerate joint degeneration. In the long run, this can affect the flexibility and stability of the joints, especially if proper protection is not taken.
Therefore, while occasional finger breaking has little impact on health, I recommend that patients focus on hand health and avoid over-reliance on this habit to relieve stress or anxiety. If you experience pain or discomfort after breaking your fingers, or if you have signs of swelling in the joints, this can be an early sign of joint problems, and prompt medical attention is recommended. Finally, joint health is part of whole-body health. Maintaining proper activity, avoiding repetition of the same movement for long periods of time, and maintaining good lifestyle habits will help you maintain joint health. If there are any doubts or concerns, it is always wise to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Possible causes of thickening of the fingers
First and most commonly, arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. It is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints of the body, especially the small joints of the fingers, causing the joints to become deformed, swollen, and thus make the fingers appear thicker. This type of arthritis is often accompanied by pain and functional limitations. Second, thickened fingers can sometimes also be the result of bone growths or bone spurs. As we age, wear and tear on the joints can cause the bones to form extra bone at the edges of the joints, which can make the fingers appear thicker. Another possible cause is obesity or edema. Excessive fluid buildup in the body or an increase in fat, especially in the finger and wrist area, can also make the fingers appear thicker. In addition, some metabolic diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, can also cause the fingers to become thicker.
Identifying the specific causes behind these symptoms requires a professional medical evaluation. If you notice unusual changes in your fingers, it is best to consult a medical professional for a full examination. Your doctor may recommend blood tests, X-rays or other imaging tests to determine the exact cause and develop a treatment plan on a case-by-case basis. In conclusion, while thickened fingers may be a common phenomenon, understanding its possible health effects is key. Seeking medical advice in a timely manner can help you avoid the worsening of potential health problems and maintain the health and function of your hands.
How to protect your finger joints
1. Maintain proper finger movements
Regular finger and hand stretching exercises can increase joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. Simple finger stretches include gently bending and straightening your fingers, doing spins and fist movements. Avoid repeating the same action for long periods of time, such as typing continuously or playing with your phone. It is recommended to do finger stretches every hour to reduce tension.
2. Pay attention to the adjustment of daily habits
Use a larger, easy-to-hold pen or tool to reduce pressure on your fingers. When performing activities that require finger strength, such as opening bottle caps or using scissors, try to use the full palm of your hand rather than relying on finger strength alone.
3. Use care products
At the end of days when you are more active in your hands, use an anti-inflammatory or soothing hand cream. These products often contain vitamin E and Aloe Vera, which help reduce inflammation and moisturize the skin. Consider wearing hand or finger protectors, such as wrist braces or finger braces, during heavy hand work, which can provide additional support and protection.
4. Eat and supplement properly
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, can help reduce joint inflammation. Make sure you're getting enough calcium and vitamin D to enhance bone health. If the diet is insufficient, consider supplementing with the appropriate vitamins.
5. Check it up regularly
If you feel persistent pain in your fingers or joints in your daily life, it is advisable to have regular medical check-ups. Prompt diagnosis can prevent potential problems from worsening, such as arthritis or tendonitis. Use appropriate medical or physical therapy as directed, such as heat, cold or professional physical therapy. By following the advice above, you can significantly reduce the pressure on your finger joints and prevent potential health problems. Remember, maintaining the health of your finger joints not only improves your quality of life, but also keeps your daily activities efficient and enjoyable.