what exactly happens when you crack your bones?

Question

i have alot of things in my body that sometimes just crack on their own when i move a certain way
my knuckles, ankles, back, knees, neck, shoulders, and other places.
what exactly is happening, why , and will it really affect me later in the future?

Answer 1

Just as the first guy said, it's compressed air bubbles. When you crack your knuckles, neck, etc. these air bubbles are released. There is some controversy over whether or not it causes arthritis in the future; what really happens is that the continuous cracking releases excess air, which might lead to "thicker" hands in the future. But, since you mentioned that you are not one of those people who cracks your knuckles on purpose, etc. but rather have cracking occur randomly, nothing drastic will happen because of this. It happens to me all the time, especially when I'm exercising or get up after sitting for a long time. I've had no problems pertaining to this. Because you talk about the future and from the looks of your picture, I'm guessing you're pretty young. Osteoporosis is not likely to be a reason for this cracking at your age. It happens to many people. There's nothing to worry about.

Answer 2

This could be the onset of Osteoporosis since you are a woman. To sum it up: Normal bone is composed of protein collagen and calcium. Osteoporosis depletes both the calcium and the protein from the bone, resulting in either abnormal bone quality or decreased bone density. Bones that are affected by osteoporosis can fracture with only a minor fall or injury that normally would not cause a bone fracture. The fracture can be either in the form of cracking (as in a hip fracture) or collapsing (as in a compression fracture of the vertebrae of the spine). The spine, hips, and wrists are common areas of osteoporosis-related bone fractures, although fractures can also occur in other skeletal areas, such as the ribs.
Osteoporosis can be detected by measuring the bone density. I would seek a professional opinion because the sooner you can determine exactly what it is the sooner you can prevent further damage.
Also as women we should ALWAYS take extra calcium in one form of supplement or another to prevent the breakdown of our bones.

Answer 3

that is just a small air pocket splitting apart with the pressure of the joint moving. It could be a pre cursor to arthritis if you keep playing with them and making them snap on purpose. Generally, if you leave it alone, the air will be reabsorbed slowly back into the blood stream.

Answer 4

It's compressed air around the joint. There are rumours that it causes arthritis, but scientifically in the long-term this is not proven. It does you no real harm; might harm people listening to it though.

Answer 5

The sound you hear when yon 'crack' your joints is caused by the movement of fluid around the joints, and does not cause arthritis.

Answer 6

Causes arthritis

Answer 7

KNUCKES cracking just make your knuckles fatter and the rest is normal

Answer 8

It is not the bones it is the joints, you are just getting the kinks out.