How to Stop Cracking Your Knuckles
Posted on March 12th, 2009 by Carmelia
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Cracking your knuckles may seem like the easiest way to look like a tough guy, but think again. While it may not actually be a direct cause of arthritis, it may worsen to become other conditions and may even be a sign of a nervous disorder. Here’s how to stop cracking your knuckles.
Resolve
The habit of cracking your knuckles starts in your head. It can be a nervous habit, something that you do when you are feeling anxious or bored. It can be just because you’re so used to it already. To get rid of this bad habit, you really have to have the resolve to completely stop it, or at least turn your energies into something more productive.
It’s also important to learn how to relax and not to stress too much. Stress can be one of the primary reasons why people crack their knuckles.
Distraction
You can redirect the energy you expend in cracking your fingers by taking up a new activity that will keep them from your bad habit. Try taking up knitting, cross-stitching, writing longhand or even cooking. Redirecting your energies to more positive activities will be more rewarding and enriching in your life.
Of course, you cannot always be doing something, so in your idle times, keep your hands full. Hold a bottle in your hands, a pencil, a ball, strum or drum your fingers, or anything that will keep your hands busy.
Barrier
Putting a direct barrier between you and your hand can also be an effective way to thwart yourself from cracking your knuckles. Here are some things you can do to prevent yourself from cracking your knuckles.
- Putting three layers of tape around your fist knuckles.
- Using hand lotion when you feel the need to crack your knuckles. The lotion will make your hands feel smooth and more slippery. With less friction, it’ll be less easy to crack your knuckles, discouraging you to do it at all.
- Simply put socks or thick mittens in your hand.
- Sit on your hands.
Effects of Knuckle Cracking
Some smokers stop cold turkey because they have fully absorbed how bad smoking can be for their health. The same can be done for people who chronically crack their knuckles as well. Here are the long-term effect of knuckle cracking:
- Reduced hand strength
- Soft tissue damage to the joints
- Swollen hands
- Hand ligament damage
Our hands are very important in our daily living, so we must take good care of them.
21 Days
To make your efforts to stop cracking your knuckles more bearable, do it within 21 days. Why? Because it takes approximately 21 days to completely stop a bad habit to call the attempt successful. You’ll find it easier to keep off the habit for good easier afterwards.
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