2006-10-28 20:48:33 · 10 answers · asked by artig 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Crackin' Knuckles and More
Posted by Nicholas DiNubile, M.D.
on Thu, Oct 26, 2006, 12:27 pm PDT Post a Comment
In my last blog entry, I talked about noisy bones and joints. One other joint sound that I am often asked about is that well-known sound that is made when someone cracks their knuckles. Is this something good? Is it dangerous in any way?
We are not entirely sure what causes that noise, but most of us believe that the sound is elicited from small gas bubbles popping or bursting when under pressure. As you know some find it very easy to repetitively create the sound, and some even get addicted to doing this. While it may be annoying to those around us, and of great concern to many parents, most orthopedic surgeons believe that there is no harm in cracking your knuckles. I believe that an occasional knuckle crack is fine and can be combined with some simple stretches. I do not however suggest that you do this all day long especially if you are already hypermobile or loose jointed.
Another similar popping sensation occurs with spinal manipulation that is done by many chiropractors and/or osteopathic physicians. This noise is also not well understood, but is also believed to be due to small gas bubbles popping or bursting under pressure. It too is safe. Many cringe at the sound, but I welcome it when my back is adjusted. It seems to help loosen me up a little, even temporarily.
2006-10-28 20:54:00 · answer #1 · answered by stlcardsgal86 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There was just an article about this subject on the Yahoo home page. They don't really know but they think it's gas bubbles that pop when you crack your knuckles.
2006-10-29 04:02:05 · answer #2 · answered by Ellen J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water. It is the same as if you have a wet glass sitting on a table and it seems to be stuck there. When you break the water seal it has formed it makes a cracking noise. Our bodies are full of water.
2006-10-29 02:53:53 · answer #3 · answered by Freedom 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is fluid being pushed out of the joint area and it is completely harmless to do it. The fluid is replaced and is found in all of the areas where joints are in our bodies.
2006-10-29 02:52:52 · answer #4 · answered by NotSoTweetOne 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Popping gas bubbles.
2006-10-29 02:56:02 · answer #5 · answered by OU812 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's air bubbles between your bones popping.
2006-10-29 02:56:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
That will hurt the joints. and may cause osteoarthritis to set in.
2006-10-29 04:32:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
ur pushing the air out between your bones. when you "pop" them, its your bones hitting together.
2006-10-29 04:18:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
do it yourself and listen the sound
2006-10-29 04:07:58 · answer #9 · answered by Viren 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bones rubbing together.
2006-10-29 02:49:56 · answer #10 · answered by mighty_power7 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋