I've been popping everything for years, including my neck, back, hip, knees, ankles, toes, fingers, wrists... just about everything. It seems like more of a habit. It doesn't necessarily make me feel any better. Nowadays, even getting up out of bed in the morning makes me pop all over without even trying. Am I ok??
2006-07-15 13:02:26 · 11 answers · asked by paper_boy21 3 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Recent studies have shown that people who "crack" joints are less likely to develop arthritis (except for the hands, which was inconclusive). The theory is that the constant moving relieves the stiffness that can trigger the disease.
My orthopedic surgeon says to pop away unless it hurts.
2006-07-15 13:34:34 · answer #1 · answered by Obama, 47 y/o political virgin 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Research on the long-term effects of a lot of joint popping has been pretty inconclusive. Some studies have shown that the joints eventually become damaged from the constant popping, but others have shown no lasting effects whatsoever. It's a myth that cracking your knuckles will cause arthritis, by the way. Multiple studies on that in specific have found absolutely no correlation.
It's pretty normal to have a few joints pop by themselves while you're moving around. However, you might mention it to your doctor the next time you are in for some other problem. If you are not experiencing any pain or swelling in the joints that are popping, though, you are probably just fine.
2006-07-15 20:07:37 · answer #2 · answered by Meg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "popping" of the knuckles results from forcing joint fluid to
very rapidly pass from one side of the joint to the other, where the
"sides" are partitioned off by the main bones of the joint. Let me
rephrase that: a joint is an area where two or more separate and distinct
bones meet. The joint fluid provides a cushioning between the joints
so that they don't grate into each other. Cracking your knuckles forces
the joint fluid from one part of the joint to another, and the popping
sound is just the result of the high pressured rushing of fluid.
2006-07-15 20:05:40 · answer #3 · answered by loriiskind 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah you are okay im the same way and popping your knuckles is bad if you keep doing it when your about 40+ you will get arthritis in your hands i don't know if you know what that is or not but its when you cant do much without it hurting your joints and stuff and when your hands get cold it will hurt alot to its like having jammed fingers and stuff
2006-07-15 20:16:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I do most of that, except for hip, :p, but, whenever you wake up, you haven't moved, so when you move something that hasn't moved for possibly over eight hours, they are likely to make a crack, especially when you get older.
Also, people say you can get arthritis, but I have heard from many people who are in the medical business, and they say that is not true.
2006-07-15 20:07:28 · answer #5 · answered by John D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'd stop.. well, i would if i could.
i've been doing the same for years and my fingers are f****d as a result. the click away of their own accord now which is pretty bad.
it wears away the synovial fluid in the joints, which isn't easily replaced so i've heard. cod liver oil supplements should help a bit.
2006-07-15 20:07:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be fine. It's just gas shifting between joints. If it hirts whaen you pop, more is happening. See a MD or Chiro. if it bothers you.
2006-07-15 20:07:11 · answer #7 · answered by Jester 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can pop every joint including my back, for years. No problems.
2006-07-15 20:05:45 · answer #8 · answered by Points whore 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know, but i do the SAME thing! even whenver i put either of my hands into a fist, my knuckles pop! its really weird.
2006-07-15 20:06:45 · answer #9 · answered by Sultana 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I heard you can get arthritis from it....
2006-07-15 20:07:13 · answer #10 · answered by joek342003 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋