Why do knuckles pop? Do you pop YOUR knuckles?

Question

I constantly pop my knuckles. Do you? Why does putting pressure on them make them pop? Anything I can do to break the habit?

Answer 1

It pops for a couple of reasons. One reason is because of the fluid (synovial fluid) between your joints. The fluid acts as a lubricant and contains gases (nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide). When you pop a joint, you stretch the joint capsule and the gases are rapidly released, which causes bubbles. That's why when you pop something, you usually can't pop it again for a while, the gases have to return to the synovial fluid. Another reason joints pop is because when a joint moves, the tendon's position changes and moves slightly out of place. The pop you hear is the joint going back into it's place. You shouldn't do it all the time, because overtime it won't be a pretty site. I do pop them every once in awhile... and for the habit,, dunno.. many things,, just dont think about it and think if you pop them, you'll _____. Like fill in the blank.. go bankrupt, smell bad forever,, those kinda of things..Hope this helped!

Answer 2

It's almost impossible to stop. I've been trying for 10 years and nothing has worked so far. At least it's just your knuckles. Some people (like me) have a routine of popping almost everything that can be popped.

Answer 3

I pop my knuckles all the time! I don't know what causes it, but I can pop each finger in 3 different places.

Answer 4

No I don't pop my knuckles and I find it annoying when people do it excessively,not to mention they say it can cause arthritis and other problems...

Answer 5

knuckles pop because of gas in the synovial fluid of the joints, it's nothing to really worry about... done it most of my life but not excessively.....

Answer 6

I actually think it feels good but it can cause damage as you get older I have no advice on stopping because I still do

Answer 7

Well, I used to do it because I could. I stopped because that causes premature arthritis. That was a good enough reason for me to quit, so I hope it helps...

Answer 8

i do all the time the sound is just the tendon sliding over your bone.. its to hard to break the habit lol

Answer 9

the sound comes from the air that is release when the joint and tendon are reflexed and pressure applied..

Answer 10

yes. and my toes... and my neck and back...

it's the air that builds up between the joints... i think or maybe it's some kind of fluid... i've killed too many brain cells since bio class...