I have a habit of cracking my fingers. What I do to stop this activity?

Question

Cracking your knuckles is not linked to an increased risk of arthritis. Habitual knuckle cracking has been linked to hand swelling, lower grip strength, knuckle pads, and injuries, including dislocated fingers, and overstretched ligaments Some experience a ?therapeutic release? upon cracking their knuckles, but the potential for damage outweighs any perceived psychological benefit. Now since it has become a habit, you will need to stop it immediately. It is now become even compulsive and that seems to be related to fear and/or anger. I suggest that you meet with a counselor and seek advice about handling these feelings appropriately. It will help if you yourself can identify causes and gains you are getting from this behavior. It is like a nervous behavior which has now become a compulsive habit. You could wear thick leather or woolen gloves as an external reminder and the gloves will make it difficult to crack your knuckles because of the lack of grip. Once you are aware then it is relatively easier to stop it. But you must be responsible when you make a contract with the counselor to stop it.

Saul Pereira · Accepted Answer

Cracking your knuckles is not linked to an increased risk of arthritis. Habitual knuckle cracking has been linked to hand swelling, lower grip strength, knuckle pads, and injuries, including dislocated fingers, and overstretched ligaments Some experience a ?therapeutic release? upon cracking their knuckles, but the potential for damage outweighs any perceived psychological benefit. Now since it has become a habit, you will need to stop it immediately. It is now become even compulsive and that seems to be related to fear and/or anger. I suggest that you meet with a counselor and seek advice about handling these feelings appropriately. It will help if you yourself can identify causes and gains you are getting from this behavior. It is like a nervous behavior which has now become a compulsive habit. You could wear thick leather or woolen gloves as an external reminder and the gloves will make it difficult to crack your knuckles because of the lack of grip. Once you are aware then it is relatively easier to stop it. But you must be responsible when you make a contract with the counselor to stop it.