We have all heard the wives tale that cracking your knuckles can cause arthritis, but is this true?
MRI videos taken of joints cracking reveal that the noise is associated with the creation of a bubble inside the joint. The bubble is created at the time of the cracking sound and is not reabsorbed for 15-20 minutes. This indicates why you cannot crack your knuckles repeatedly. This bubble forms from synovial fluid. This is the fluid that lubricates the joint, therefore when the joint is put under pressure when cracking it creates a void in the fluid.
Article Link:
https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2015/04/16/4216936.htm
Citation:
Salleh, A. (2015). Secrets of knuckle-cracking captured on video. Retrieved 22 June 2021, from
https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2015/04/16/4216936.htm
At Melbourne Hand Therapy, we specialise in treating flexor tendon repairs. We approach these complicated injuries, using the most up to date evidence and always prefer an early active protocol, where safe to do so.
The ideal time to start ‘Early Active’ is between days 3-5 post operation. At this point in time the initial oedema and inflammation begins to settle, yet scar tissue production has not yet begun. Therefore the tendon will be under the least amount of resistance and is safe to start gently gliding.
We are always happy to prioritise seeing flexor tendon repairs early, to help achieve the best long term outcomes. Our receptionists know to prioritise these patient appointments. Please don’t hesitate to refer to us on (03) 9899 8490.
During the first week of June (7th-13th 2021) Melbourne Hand Therapy actively participated in Hand Therapy Awareness Week (HTAW). We are proud to actively promote the essential modality of hand therapy within Australia and our wider international community.
Our HTAW campaign took place on our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages. Please head to our social media platforms to see all of our posts. Our whole team worked really hard on creating the content and are excited to see how many people engaged with it online.
At Melbourne Hand Therapy we specialise in treating both conservatively and surgically managed mallet finger injuries. A mallet finger occurs when there is a disruption to the terminal extensor tendon of the finger, causing the distal phalanx to sit in a flexed position.
These injuries usually occur when a fully extended finger is struck with a hard object, eg: football. They present as an avulsion fracture of the distal phalanx, or a tear to the terminal tendon. An x-ray is useful to determine if there is an underlying fracture.
Treatment for mallet fingers depends on the size of the fracture fragment or if it is tendon involvement only. If treated conservatively this involves strict full time splinting of the distal joint in slight hyperextension for 6-8 weeks.
If left untreated, these injuries can lead to a swan neck deformity and permanently limit the function of the hand. Referring early for treatment is always best, as it provides the best chance for healing to occur.
