2006-10-12 10:18:25 · 25 answers · asked by LP 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
MYTH unless it hurts when you do it....
2006-10-12 10:19:38 · answer #1 · answered by Elizabeth L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cracking Knuckles is not bad according to recent scientific research.
The popping sound occurs due to expansion of the synovial cavity surrounding the joints in the fingers. When the cavity expands the pressure of the synovial fluid decreases. This creates a partial vacuum, the suction draws carbon dioxide and oxygen out of blood vessesls. The popping sound heard is caused by the bubbles of carbon dioxide and oxygen bursting.
It does not cause arthritis or any other form of damage to the joints.
2006-10-12 17:28:51 · answer #2 · answered by Julie B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cracking you knuckles has never been proven to cause arthritis. The actual cracking, or popping sound that you hear is caused by tiny deposits of nitrogen between the joints that builds, and creates sound when pressure is applied. It is a myth that it is bad for you.
2006-10-12 17:26:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. In fact, it's not dangerous at all, said Dr. Jonathan Kay, clinical director of the rheumatology unit at Massachusetts General Hospital.
"The cracking sound you hear when you pull on your fingers is caused by the release of negative pressure within the joint," he said. Technically, this is called cavitation. Inside every joint in the body, a gooey substance called synovial fluid coats the surfaces of cartilage to protect them. Just as two discs coated with mineral oil stick together and can only be pulled apart with a bit of force, so it is inside the joint. When you pull, you break the vacuum seal created by the synovial fluid and the breaking of that seal causes the popping sound -- from the bursting of bubbles of gases dissolved in the fluid.
Curiously, it takes about 20 minutes for the seal to re-establish itself. So crack your knuckles all you want. You might stretch a few ligaments, but you will not give yourself arthritis. But it'll be no fun unless you wait 20 minutes between cracks.
JUDY FOREMAN
2006-10-12 17:22:44 · answer #4 · answered by siropson 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Myth
2006-10-12 17:20:36 · answer #5 · answered by onottopilot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I read somewhere that it's a myth, but from experience, quit while you can! My joints hurt constantly. I am an avid cracker and it's gotten to the point of me having to crack my knuckles so that they don't hurt. Even that doesn't always help. In the cold they hurt worse than normal as well. My knuckles have gotten larger as well. (Rings that used to fit don't anymore.)
2006-10-12 17:27:26 · answer #6 · answered by Steph 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm only 22, & my knuckles are greatly enlarged from having cracked them so much over the years, I can hardly wear a ring, if at all.
& as the previous poster said, it can make you susceptible to arthritis in later years.
My Hands are otherwise very strong & healthy, though * shrug * & chicks dig big manly hands, =P lol
2006-10-12 17:22:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is totally an urban legend. It only "pops" the air bubbles in your joints. If you feel the need, look it up. In about 20 minutes, the small air bubbles reunite, and you can continue cracking once again! :)
2006-10-12 17:26:20 · answer #8 · answered by S.M. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not an urban myth...its been around for a very long time....its an "old wives tale"
2006-10-12 17:21:17 · answer #9 · answered by American Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been cracking my knuckles since I was 15 and I'm 43 now and it hasn't had any adverse effect on me.
2006-10-12 17:21:20 · answer #10 · answered by Lee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people have told me that it causes arthritis, and some people tell me that it actually helps arthritis. It feels good for me and I like it, so I do it regardless.
2006-10-12 17:21:24 · answer #11 · answered by Rae 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋