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.

People should be aware of a rare and unpredictable condition called SCAD. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection occurs when the inner layers of a coronary artery split away from the outer wall. When this happens, blood can leak into the space between the layers, leading to clot formation. If these clots grow large enough, they can block blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack.

Doctors are still struggling to fully understand this condition. The cause remains unknown, and it often strikes suddenly in people who do not have the usual risk factors linked to heart disease. SCAD is most commonly seen in women between the ages of 45 and 53, although it can affect people of any age or gender.

What Is Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection?

SCAD is an acronym that can refer to different things, but it is most widely used to describe Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection. This is a serious heart condition in which a tear forms in one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart, potentially triggering a heart attack. SCAD is also the name of the Savannah College of Art and Design, a well-known creative university in the United States, and an Indian NGO working in the field of social change and development.

According to the British Heart Foundation, SCAD is a condition that “can’t currently be predicted or prevented.” The charity stresses the importance of seeking medical help if symptoms appear, so the condition can be identified as early as possible. Many of the warning signs are similar to those of angina or a heart attack, which can make it difficult to recognise.

Symptoms Of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

The symptoms of SCAD often resemble those associated with angina or a heart attack. These may include:

• Chest pain
• Pain or tightness in the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Shortness of breath or unusual tiredness
• Nausea
• Cold sweats or clammy skin

The British Heart Foundation advises anyone experiencing chest pain or these symptoms to call 999 straight away. One of the dangers of SCAD is that people may dismiss the symptoms, believing they are not at risk of a heart attack. Experts say the condition cannot be predicted or prevented.

How Is Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Related To Neck Pain?

Neck pain can sometimes be linked to arterial dissections, which involve a tear in blood vessels supplying vital organs. In such cases, the pain is often sudden, severe, and felt on one side of the neck. It may appear on its own or develop before more serious symptoms, such as those associated with a stroke or heart-related event.

The pain occurs due to damage to the artery wall and should always be treated as a medical emergency. While neck pain is commonly associated with muscle strain, experts warn that, in rare cases, it can signal a much more serious underlying problem.

According to the American Heart Association, neck pain related to arterial dissection may present in the following ways:

• Location: Pain is usually felt on the same side of the head or neck as the affected artery.
• Type: The pain may be sudden, intense, throbbing, or feel like pressure, and is often different from a typical headache.
• Warning sign: Neck pain can be an early symptom of an arterial tear, sometimes appearing before other serious complications.
• Vertebral artery dissection: Often causes pain at the back of the neck and head.
• Carotid artery dissection: More commonly linked to pain at the front of the neck and head.

SCAD And Women

Around 80 percent of people diagnosed with SCAD are women, and the condition is known to occur during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. Because it develops without warning, SCAD is often discovered only after a major medical event, such as a heart attack.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Some patients are managed with medication to reduce the risk of blood clots, while others may require stents to keep the artery open. In rare cases, coronary artery bypass surgery is needed to restore blood flow.

The British Heart Foundation notes that receiving a SCAD diagnosis can be deeply unsettling, especially when it follows an emergency. Many patients report feeling isolated, largely because the condition is so rare and not widely understood.

Flu cases are on the rise and as of the January 3, 2026 data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 120,000 cases have been detected in clinical laboratories, apart from those detected in home tests. About 40,000 influenza cases were admitted to the hospital in the prior week and 17 influenza-related deaths reported in children, this season. Physicians across the US are constantly telling everyone, especially the vulnerable population to keep an eye on the symptoms. They have time and again also urged people to get vaccinated against the flu. The country is also seeing an overload of flu cases, with many calling it the 'worst flu season' ever.

Also Read: Delhi Isn't Just Breathing Toxic Air, But Also A Superbug That Resists Antibiotics

The 2025-2026 flu season's main culprit is the influenza A (H3N2) subclade K, or the superflu. This variant is a mutated strain of H3N2 virus and has a history of being most contagious, staying longer on surface, which is why it is driving the most numbers of hospitalization this season.

Jesse Pines, Chief of Clinical Innovation for US Acute Care Solutions and a practising physician for over 20 years of experiences writes for Forbes the 5 must-know things about the flu.

5 Must-Know Things About Flu, From An ER Doctor

Identify the Symptoms

It is important to know what symptoms you have to know about the illness. This flu starts with high fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat and a headache. However, not everyone can have the similar symptoms. Children could experience gastrointestinal symptoms, which include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Older adults may have atypical symptoms, which may include not feeling hungry, dizziness, or weakness.

Read: Face Masks Are 'Inadequate', Says WHO, Must Be Swapped For Respirators

Vaccine Is A Must

While the flu vaccine for this season was made at least 7 to 8 months before, like usually it happens, which means the subclade K strain may not be this vaccine's target. However, data shows that despite this mismatch, it has a 72 to 75% effective rate in preventing emergency department visits and hospital admissions in children and adolescents, and 32 to 39% effectiveness in adults.

What To Do If You Have Flu Symptoms

The first response should be to contact your healthcare provider for prescription. Pines note that "Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and baloxavir (Xofluza) are primary options". These are used to reduce the symptom duration, and prevent any further complications like pneumonia. It is most effective if started with in the 48 hours of symptoms.

Should You Seek Higher-Level Medical Care With Flu?

While many people recover at home, if you see your symptoms are not showing any signs of reduction beyond 4 to 5 days, you may need a higher levels of medical care for your flu. This could also be applied if your symptoms worsen suddenly after a few days.

How to Manage Post Flu Weakness?

While everyone is talking about flu and its treatment, not much attention is paid on what to do afterwards. Even after the treatment, one might feel the weakness during their recovery period. This has a scientific name, known as 'post-viral' syndrome, which means a lingering cough and fatigue for 2 to 3 weeks after the illness. This is the time when you gradually return to normal activities, but ensure to maintain adequate hydration, sufficient calorie and protein intake in your diet and adequate sleep.

The NHS has issued an alert for anyone taking a widely used heart medication. People are being advised to watch for serious warning signs, including yellowing of the skin or “nosebleeds lasting more than 10 minutes.”

What Is Propranolol?

Propranolol is a beta blocker that slows the heart rate and relaxes blood vessels, helping lower blood pressure and reduce the heart’s oxygen demand. It is also prescribed to ease symptoms of anxiety, such as trembling or excessive sweating, and can help prevent migraines. The medication is prescription-only but is commonly prescribed throughout the UK.

According to the Mirror, the British Heart Foundation reports that more than 50 million beta blocker prescriptions are issued in the UK each year, including for propranolol. Patients usually take it once a day, in either a standard or slow-release form.

While propranolol is generally safe, it does carry possible side effects. The NHS advises contacting 111 immediately if serious symptoms affecting the blood or kidneys appear.

The NHS notes: “Like all medicines, propranolol can cause side effects in some people, but many experience none or only minor effects. Side effects often ease as your body adjusts to the medication.”

Propranolol Side Effects

Common side effects include headaches, fatigue, weakness, cold fingers or toes, nausea, and stomach discomfort. While most people over 12 can safely take propranolol, the NHS recommends consulting a doctor first if you have a history of low blood pressure, heart failure, depression, or diabetes.

More serious reactions can occur, including yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stools, or dark urine. The NHS also warns of nosebleeds lasting longer than 10 minutes, unexplained bruising, or increased tendency to bruise easily.

Anyone experiencing these warning signs should contact a doctor or call 111 immediately. The NHS also cautions against stopping propranolol abruptly without medical guidance, as this could trigger severe heart problems, including chest pain or even a heart attack.

Who Should Be Extra Cautious With Propranolol

While propranolol is widely prescribed and generally safe for most adults, certain people need to monitor themselves more closely or consult their doctor before use. Those with low blood pressure, heart failure, slow heart rates, diabetes, respiratory conditions like asthma, or a history of depression may face higher risks of side effects. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also speak to a healthcare professional before taking the medication.

The NHS emphasizes that even minor symptoms—like unusual fatigue, dizziness, or cold hands and feet—should not be ignored, especially if they worsen over time. Monitoring for these effects early can prevent more serious complications.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience any side effects or unusual symptoms while taking propranolol or any other prescription medicine, seek medical attention immediately.