We have all seen movies where right before the hero starts fighting, he cracks his knuckles and makes it look like the coolest thing in the world! But then our parents told us that you should not crack your knuckles because that weakens your grip and hand strength. But is that true? While many people do say that they experience a small loss in strength immediately after they crack their knuckles, but are their long-term effects to it? And what is the sound actually coming from?

The reason why people crack their fingers is because the evident and sharp crack noise causes a sense of relief. Many people also do it when they have done an activity that required them to work with their hands a lot like typing or sewing, giving themselves a sense of satisfaction, similar to stretching after doing hard work. That "crack" sound can make some people cringe, while others find it strangely satisfying. Cracking your knuckles is a pretty common habit, but there are a lot of misunderstandings about it. Some people do it without even thinking, others can't stand the noise, and some can't crack their knuckles at all. You might have been told as a kid that it causes arthritis or makes your fingers swell up. But those are just old wives' tales. There's a real science behind this habit, and it's more interesting than you may think.

Why Do Knuckles Make That Popping Sound?

The "crack" isn't actually bones breaking or anything bad happening to your joints. It's a normal thing called "crepitus." This just means harmless popping, snapping, or grinding sounds that come from your joints. The main reason you hear this sound is because of gas bubbles in the fluid that cushions your joints. This fluid is called synovial fluid. When you move or stretch, these tiny bubbles form and then pop, making the sound. It's totally normal and doesn't hurt you. Sometimes, especially in bigger joints like your knees, shoulders, or ankles, the sound can also happen when the stretchy tissues that connect your bones (ligaments and tendons) move slightly and then snap back into place.

After you crack your knuckles, you can't usually do it again right away. You have to wait a bit. That's because the gas bubbles in your joint fluid have already popped, and it takes a little while for them to build up again. While cracking your knuckles doesn't give you arthritis, doing it too much might cause some problems. Doctors say that cracking them too often could make your joints a little wobbly and might even make your grip weaker. Also, if the stretchy tissues in your joints keep snapping over your bones, they can get irritated and sore.

When Joint Popping Might Mean Something More

Sometimes, a pop in your joint is just like cracking your knuckles, nothing to worry about. But other times, it can be a sign of something else. As we get older, the cushiony stuff in our joints, called cartilage, can start to wear down. This cartilage helps your bones move smoothly. When it gets thin or uneven, the bones can rub together, and that can make a grinding or popping sound. This is different from the pop you get from gas bubbles. If this grinding sound happens along with pain, it could be a sign of osteoarthritis. This is a type of joint problem that's more common in older people, but younger people can get it too, especially after a joint injury. If your joints hurt, especially in the morning or after you've been sitting still for a while, feel wobbly, or are hard to move, it's a good idea to see a doctor.

Urine leakage when you cough, sneeze or exercise is often dismissed as something women simply have to live with after pregnancy or childbirth. But pelvic floor problems can affect both women and men and may interfere with daily activities, confidence, relationships and sexual health.

Many people quietly live with symptoms such as urine leakage, urgency, pelvic pressure or pain, while even those who seek medical help may not know the underlying cause. Speaking to HealthandMe, doctors said these can be signs of pelvic floor dysfunction — a treatable condition that should not be ignored.

Early identification and appropriate treatment can help prevent symptoms from disrupting everyday life.

What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles in the pelvis do not relax, contract or coordinate properly. These muscles support the bladder, bowel and reproductive organs.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the pelvic floor muscles act like a supportive hammock. When they are too tight, weak or poorly coordinated, normal bladder, bowel and sexual functions can be affected.

Pregnancy and childbirth are important risk factors, but pelvic floor problems can also affect men. Symptoms may include urinary urgency or leakage, pelvic pain or pressure and bowel problems.

Other factors such as sedentary lifestyles, stress, obesity and constipation may be contributing to pelvic floor dysfunction.

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What Can Increase The Risk Of Pelvic Floor Problems?

Dr Nirmala M, Consultant, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Fertility Specialist, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru, told HealthandMe that sedentary office work, stress, obesity and constipation can contribute to pelvic floor problems. Poor water intake and regularly holding urine can also play a role.

“It is seen that almost four of every five cases of incontinence observed in hospitals have been identified among young women aged 25 to 35 years old,” she said.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect men too, particularly in association with urinary, bowel or prostate-related problems.

Dr Meghana Reddy Jetty, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics, Gynecology, Laparoscopy and Aesthetic Gynecology, Aster Women and Children, Bengaluru, said men may also experience urinary leakage and bowel control problems, including in association with pelvic operations and prostatic procedures.

“Men have pelvic floor muscles too, which are responsible for bladder and bowel control and proper functioning of the pelvis,” she said.

What Are The Early Signs?

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Symptoms can vary depending on whether the pelvic floor muscles are weak, too tight or poorly coordinated.

Common signs include:

• Urine leakage while coughing, sneezing or exercising
• A sudden or uncontrollable urge to urinate
• Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel
• Pelvic heaviness or pressure
• Pelvic discomfort
• Pain during intercourse

Dr Nirmala said urinary leakage during physical strain and a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate are among the early symptoms.

Dr Meghana said occasional urine leakage, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, pelvic heaviness, discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse can indicate that the pelvic floor is not functioning properly.

How Can Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Affect Daily Life?

The condition can affect more than bladder or bowel control. Fear of leakage, urgency or pain may cause people to avoid exercise, travel and social activities.

Dr Nirmala said some women avoid parties and long-distance travel because of difficulty finding a nearby bathroom. In serious cases, they may rely on diapers or sanitary pads, affecting confidence and increasing stress.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can also affect sexual health. Pain and difficulty relaxing the pelvic muscles may lead women to avoid sexual activity.

“It can hurt sexual health if pain and difficulty in relaxing pelvic muscles cause one to avoid sexual activity. This kind of problem that seemingly just involves the physical aspect can slowly but surely have a great effect on one's confidence, relationships and behavior in general,” said Dr Meghana.

Can Exercise Make Pelvic Floor Symptoms Worse?

Exercise can support pelvic health, but the type, intensity and technique matter.

Dr Swati Rai, Senior Consultant-Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Noida, said exercises such as Kegels, diaphragmatic breathing, pelvic tilts, glute bridges and gentle core strengthening can help support the pelvic floor during and after pregnancy, depending on the individual.

“Kegels involve gently contracting the muscles used to control urine, holding briefly and then completely relaxing; they should not be routinely practized while urinating,” she told HealthandMe.

However, excessive or improperly performed high-impact exercise, intense interval training, repeated jumping and weightlifting can place additional pressure on the pelvic floor, particularly when breathing and core control are inadequate.

Dr Meghana said pelvic-floor training should focus on muscle control rather than simply increasing repetitions.

“So, training of pelvic muscles should be more about learning muscle control - knowing when to contract and when to relax - rather than just doing more and more repetitions,” she said.

Dr Swati said excessive straining, breath-holding or incorrectly performed high-impact exercises may aggravate symptoms.

Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Treatable?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can improve significantly with appropriate, personalized treatment. However, treatment depends on whether the muscles are weak, overly tight or poorly coordinated.

Treatment may include:

• Pelvic floor retraining
• Physical therapy
• Core strengthening
• Relaxation and breathing exercises
• Biofeedback

Noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases affect billions of people worldwide and cause around 43 million deaths every year, with most deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

These conditions often require lifelong care. From diagnosis and medication to monitoring and follow-up, each stage can carry safety risks, making timely, coordinated and patient-centered care essential.

World Patient Safety Day is observed every year on September 17 to raise awareness about patient safety and accelerate action to reduce avoidable harm in healthcare. Around the world, one in 10 patients experience harm while receiving health care, and approximately half of these incidents are preventable.

In 2026, the campaign focuses on safe care for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), with the slogan “Safe care for life!”

“World Patient Safety Day is an annual reminder that if it's not safe, it's not care. This year, we're shining a light on safe care for non-communicable diseases. People with heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease need care throughout their lives,” Dr Tedros shared in a post on X.

He noted that every interaction with the health system comes with benefits and risks.

“A delayed diagnosis, the wrong medicine, an unsafe procedure, or poor communication can have deadly consequences. Safe care must be built into every stage of the care journey, from prevention and early diagnosis to treatment, long-term management, and self-care,” the chief added.

Also read: World Patient Safety Day: With 2800% Margin, Costly Hospital Consumables Can Threaten Patient Safety; Here’s How

Why Do Chronic Conditions Raise The Risk Of Harm?

People with chronic diseases often need medicines, tests, consultations and other healthcare services over many years, increasing safety risks, particularly when care is fragmented or healthcare providers are not well coordinated.

Patient safety risks can occur at different stages of care. Common sources include:

• Missed prevention opportunities

• Delayed or incorrect diagnosis

• Medication errors

• Healthcare-associated infections

• Unsafe use of medical devices

• Poor communication and coordination

How Can Patients With Chronic Diseases Stay Safe?

Understanding your diagnosis and treatment can help you take an active role in your care.

• Know your diagnosis, treatment plan and why tests or medicines are needed.

• Use trusted health sources and ask questions when something is unclear.

• Confirm instructions and follow up on test results.

• Speak up if something feels wrong.

• Keep an updated list of your diagnoses, medicines and treatment plan, especially when seeing multiple doctors.

• Attend regular appointments and know the warning signs that need medical attention.

• Plan how you will access essential medicines, tests and follow-up care during disruptions.

Continuity of care is particularly important for people with NCDs. Poorly coordinated referrals, handovers and discharge processes can create safety gaps, especially for those managing multiple conditions or medicines.

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Safer Care Also Depends On The Health System

Patient safety cannot be addressed by patients alone. Strong policies, coordinated healthcare services and well-supported health workers are essential to reducing avoidable harm.

Fragmented care can put people managing complex chronic conditions at greater risk. Better communication between multidisciplinary teams can help identify problems earlier and reduce gaps in care.

Delayed referrals can also cost valuable time. Well-coordinated referral pathways can help patients receive the right care at the right time.

What Should Healthcare Systems Do?

The WHO called on healthcare facility managers, health leaders and policymakers to strengthen patient safety as part of everyday NCD care. This includes building resilient facilities, strengthening risk management, supporting health workers and establishing reliable systems for continuous care before, during and after emergencies, according to the WHO.

Healthcare systems should also ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines, diagnostics and medical devices while strengthening referral pathways and communication between healthcare providers.

Investing in preparedness, continuous learning and quality improvement can further help reduce avoidable harm and improve the safety and quality of chronic disease care.

Something as basic as an IV set, syringe, cannula or catheter can make a huge difference in a patient’s essential care and treatment. But a recent FDA survey has raised questions about the affordability of these hospital consumables and whether the lack of transparency in pricing can pose a threat to patient safety.

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe recently flagged exorbitantly priced hospital consumables and medical devices used in inpatient departments.

The food and drug regulator sought Centre’s intervention to straighten pricing of essential and life-saving medical devices, saying these practices should be ideally “fair, transparent and ethical”.

Maharashtra FDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe Flags Costly Hospital Consumables

The Maharashtra State Price Monitoring Resource Unit, operating under the state FDA, recently conducted the market survey covering medical devices used in inpatient departments, including IV sets, syringes, nebuliser, and oxygen-mask kits, and other consumables.

The survey found that some commonly used medical devices had a gap of up to 2,841% between procurement prices and printed maximum retail prices (MRPs).

For example, an IV infusion set purchased for Rs 11.05 was listed at an MRP of Rs 325. A 10 ml syringe purchased for Rs 6.75 had an MRP of Rs 57.20, while a catheter bought for Rs 29.41 had an MRP of Rs 310.

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has sought intervention from the Centre and the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), arguing that patients admitted to hospitals are not in the position to bargain over medical products that are essential to their treatment. They may not have the opportunity to compare prices, search for another brand, or simply refuse the product.

In a recent interview, Mundhe said, “A trade margin of 2800 per cent is by any terms not acceptable, either as a consumer or as a hospital or as a regulator.”

Mundhe highlighted this problem in his letter to the Department of Pharmaceuticals, writing, “Because hospitalised patients critically require these non-negotiable surgical consumables during active treatment, they possess zero bargaining power in IPD settings.”

He also described the steep pricing as “completely irrational and unjustified” and argued that the absence of strict statutory price caps for several medical-device categories can leave patients facing large and opaque price differences.

The Centre has now sought a report from the NPPA on the price discrepancies flagged by the Maharashtra FDA.

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Costly Hospital Consumables May Become A Patient-Safety Issue

World Patient Safety Day is observed on September 17 every year to raise global awareness about the safety of patients and reduce preventable harm in healthcare.

As far as patient safety is concerned, it is not only about whether a device is sterile, functional, or medically appropriate. Affordability and transparency can also influence whether patients are able to access and continue necessary treatment.

A fat hospital bill may cause financial burden, discouraging patients from seeking timely treatment. For families paying out of pocket, unexpected costs can affect decisions about where to seek care, whether to continue treatment or whether to delay non-emergency follow-up.

Mundhe has described the issue directly as a patient-protection concern, saying, “This is not merely a pricing issue; it is a patient-protection issue.”

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Industry’s Response To The Maharashtra FDA

The procurement price of a device, however, cannot automatically be treated as the final cost of safely delivering it to a patient.

Hospitals may incur costs related to sterile storage, inventory, staff, emergency availability, wastage, expiry, infrastructure, quality checks, and safe disposal.

Industry representatives have therefore argued that pricing frameworks should distinguish between basic commodity consumables and complex medical technologies.

In a statement, the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) said, “Price of device or medicine is very small part of overall cost of administering healthcare, which include manpower (doctors, nurses, paramedical, administration etc.) maintaining infection free environment, infrastructure etc.”

They also reacted to Maharashtra FDA’s pricing concerns and said that hospitals play no part in setting up MRPs of these products.