Why is it bad to pop your knuckles, fingers, etc..?

Question

I have heard that it is really bad for you, but I don't know why. What does it do? I pop my fingers at least once an hour.

Answer 1

It is more of a myth than fact. It is NOT as bad as it has been said (and the reason we say it is bad is probably because it must annoy others around).

There are good and bad sides to it, so read on the small article on howstuffworks.com -- it is very very informative---

excerpt from the article-

"only one in-depth study regarding the possible detriments of knuckle popping has been published. This study, done by Raymond Brodeur and published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, examined 300 knuckle crackers for evidence of joint damage. The results revealed no apparent connection between joint cracking and arthritis; however, habitual knuckle poppers did show signs of other types of damage, including soft tissue damage to the joint capsule and a decrease in grip strength. This damage is most likely a result of the rapid, repeated stretching of the ligaments surrounding the joint."

Answer 2

Nope, that is an old wives tale to keep people from doing it because it is so darn irritating... It does not cause arthritis as some will try and tell you..

Answer 3

I am pretty sure it's an old wives tale, pop away.

Answer 4

you can get arthritis ....i used to have small knuckles now cause ive been crackin them so long they got bigger ....and they hurt every now and then ....but i still do so

Answer 5

there are sacks in your nuckles that release fluid when you pop them, each time you pop, the sacks get bigger. Your nuckles will get bigger too.