Effect of habitual knuckle cracking on hand function
Article Abstract:
Various forms of habitual behavior such as knuckle cracking may adversely affect health. However, the belief that knuckle cracking results in osteoarthritis with impaired hand function has not been scientifically demonstrated. Osteoarthritis is a long-term disease involving the joints and is characterized by destruction of cartilage tissue in the joint and overgrowth, malformation, and impaired function of the bone in the joint. The mechanism of muscle cracking results in a rapid release of energy in the form of vibrations, which causes stress on the joint and produces the cracking sound. The forces are similar to those causing erosion of ship propellers and blades of hydraulic machinery ad bearings. The relation between habitual knuckle cracking and hand function was assessed among 300 patients aged 45 years and older, who had no evidence of nerve and muscle disease, inflammatory disorders, or malignant disease. Among the study group, there were 74 habitual knuckle crackers and 226 non-knuckle crackers. Although the prevalence of arthritis or inflammation of the joint was similar in both groups, hand swelling and lower grip strength were more prevalent in habitual knuckle crackers. Factors that were associated with habitual knuckle cracking included manual labor or work involving use of hands, nail-biting, smoking, and drinking alcohol. The results suggest that habitual knuckle cracking results in impaired hand function. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1990
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Generalised osteoarthritis: a hormonally mediated disease
Article Abstract:
Osteoarthritis (OA), a long-term joint disease, is characterized by destruction of the cartilage in the joint, and overgrowth, malformation, and impaired function of the bone. The prevalence of OA is high, affecting up to 70 percent of persons aged 90 years or over. Among women, OA affects multiple joints and is more severe than in men. Because OA is prevalent among middle-aged women, it was suggested that there may be a relation between menopause and the occurrence of OA. Generalized OA has also been associated with obesity, the presence of fibroids (fiber-like growths), and bleeding of the uterus, but not with osteoporosis (bone loss). This suggests that OA is related to excessive amounts of the female hormone estrogen. Women with high estrogen levels are at risk of developing OA, particularly during menopause, when estrogen levels are relatively high when compared with progesterone levels. In animal models of OA, the joint lesions became worse with estrogen but improved with tamoxifen, an agent that blocks the actions of estrogen. It is thought that estrogen may interfere with the processes of bone formation and dissolution, and with cartilage turnover, which is the balance between the production and breakdown of cartilage tissue. Thus, in addition to the evolutionary, mechanical, and genetic causes of OA, hormonal factors may also influence the development of this joint disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1989
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Genetic and Environmental Influences on Total-Body and Central Abdominal Fat: The Effect of Physical Activity in Female Twins
Article Abstract:
Physical activity may have a greater influence on total body fat mass in women than genetic predisposition, diet, age, smoking, or social class. Researchers compared 970 women, of whom all were twins and 37% were overweight or obese. Body fat mass and central abdominal fat mass were lower in women who undertook more regular physical activity. Even in twin-pairs with one overweight twin, an active co-twin had an average of nearly 9 pounds less body fat than an inactive co-twin.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1999
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