Is this really bad for them, and what causes the noise?
You always hear your mum saying,"it will give you arthritis",
Is there any truth in this?
2006-09-11 09:32:49 · 13 answers · asked by BRICK 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Well, it really isn't your bones clicking together. Here's the deal. The knuckle (MDs call it the metacarpo-phalangeal joint) is surrounded by the synovial fluid, a clear liquid that lubricates the joint. This fluid contains about 15 percent carbon dioxide in solution. When you crack your knuckles, you tug or twist the finger or toe with a steady effort, creating a low-pressure zone within the synovial fluid. According to the most likely hypothesis (Unsworth, Dowson, and Wright, 1971), the low pressure draws CO2 and water vapor out of solution, creating a bubble. (This process is called cavitation.) This collapses almost instantly, and the fluid crashing in from all sides makes the noise.
Taken from http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_305b.html
I knew the answer, just didn't want to type it all out.
2006-09-11 09:47:49 · answer #1 · answered by Beth 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've been told that the noise is an air bubble in the joint popping. Lovely, isn't it?!? It probably can give you arthritis if done often enough, by wearing down the cartilage. Or something.
2006-09-11 16:58:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Quite simply, i asked my Grandmother's consultant who specialises in arthritis.
Its a myth, an old wives tale and in fact is probably the exact opposite, it keeps the joints moving.
its a rumour put about by those who don't like the noise of people cracking their knuckles.
2006-09-11 16:47:27 · answer #3 · answered by emma 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do it all the time, the noise is the bones clicking against each other.
Bad habit, I know, but it stops my finger from hurting. (I broke it a year ago and it plays up now and then)
2006-09-11 16:43:45 · answer #4 · answered by Bloo Cheese =P 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure if it's true about arthritis, but my husband will find out cause he's always doing it.
2006-09-11 16:38:55 · answer #5 · answered by Jeanette 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually it does no harm and is thought that it may even break up the arthritic growths in your joints.
It is quite unpleasant to listen to but I do it fairly regularly as it helps loosen my fingers up when I'm playing my guitar.
2006-09-11 16:40:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my hubs is well annoying
he clicks his fingers wrists ankles back and neck. hope you dont get arthritis or he's gonna be in for it!
so long as he don't expect me to push his wheelchair, i have warned him bout arthritis
2006-09-11 16:52:59 · answer #7 · answered by Happyworms 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes its true!
My stepmum used to crack her knuckles all the time! She now cant bend her fingers fully as she is so arthritic!
Sorry!
2006-09-11 16:39:21 · answer #8 · answered by Sazzle 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah it will give you artheritis. eww i hate hearding the noise. I hate it!
2006-09-11 16:58:14 · answer #9 · answered by blah blah 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think so..coz in a massage parlor, they stretch your bones your fingers and neck and it feel good...
2006-09-12 00:38:37 · answer #10 · answered by Jack 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋