What makes the cracking sound when you crack your knuckles?

Question

Why must you wait a while before you can get that cracking again?

Answer 1

there are gases (nitrogen,oxygen,and carbon dioxide) located in the fluid (called synovial fluid) in between your joints. this fluid is not blood but a clear jelly-like substance that allows your joints to move w/out your bones rubbing against each other.

when you push down on your knuckles to "crack" them, you stretch the joint capsule which causes the gases to be released-making the cracking noise

you have to wait awhile before doing it again b/c the gases need time to build back up

some studies have shown that repetitive cracking of your knuckles can lead to weakness in grip and swelling of the hand over time but others say this isn't harmful

Answer 2

Your joints can make a variety of sounds: popping, cracking, grinding, and snapping. The joints that "crack" are the knuckles, knees, ankles, back, and neck. There are different reasons why these joints "sound off".

Escaping gases: Scientists explain that synovial fluid present in your joints acts as a lubricant. The fluid contains the gases oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. When you pop or crack a joint, you stretch the joint capsule. Gas is rapidly released, which forms bubbles. In order to crack the same knuckle again, you have to wait until the gases return to the synovial fluid.
Movement of joints, tendons and ligaments: When a joint moves, the tendon’s position changes and moves slightly out of place. You may hear a snapping sound as the tendon returns to its original position. In addition, your ligaments may tighten as you move your joints. This commonly occurs in your knee or ankle, and can make a cracking sound.
Rough surfaces: Arthritic joints make sounds caused by the loss of smooth cartilage and the roughness of the joint surface.
Is joint cracking harmful? If you are feeling pain when your joints pop, than you should seek a health care professional. In terms of knuckle cracking, some studies show that knuckle cracking does not cause serious harm. Other studies show that repetitive knuckle cracking can do some damage to the soft tissue of the joint. It may also lead to a weak grip and a swelling hand.

Answer 3

I've taken a few anatomy & physiology classes and none of my professors have the answer, but there are a few theories out there, but no one really knows. I think the best theory is this:
Inside each (well, technically, most) of your joints, there is a small space and a sac of fluid called the articular capsule, which is not supposed to have any air inside, and it connects to the two bones that form the joint on either side, and all around. When you crack your knuckles or other joints, you let some air inside that joint space, not necessarily inside the capsule, though, and this vacuum creates the popping sound. And the air inside the space must diffuse out before you can do it again. Theoretically...

Answer 4

Your joints could make a form of sounds: popping, cracking, grinding, and snapping. The joints that "crack" are the knuckles, knees, ankles, back, and neck. There are distinctive the explanation why those joints "pontificate". Escaping gases: Scientists clarify that synovial fluid recent on your joints acts as a lubricant. The fluid includes the gases oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. once you pop or crack a joint, you stretch the joint pill. gasoline is right this moment released, which varieties bubbles. as a manner to crack a similar knuckle lower back, you could desire to attend until the gases return to the synovial fluid. circulate of joints, tendons and ligaments: while a joint strikes, the tendon’s place adjustments and strikes slightly out of place. you could hear a snapping sound because of fact the tendon returns to its unique place. as nicely, your ligaments might tighten as you progression your joints. This many times occurs on your knee or ankle, and could make a cracking sound. tough surfaces: Arthritic joints make sounds brought about by using the shortcoming of tender cartilage and the roughness of the joint floor. Is joint cracking risky? in case you sense discomfort while your joints pop, than you may desire to seek for a healthcare expert. in terms of knuckle cracking, some analyze teach that knuckle cracking does not reason extreme harm. different analyze teach that repetitive knuckle cracking can perform a little harm to the delicate tissue of the joint. it could additionally deliver approximately a susceptible grip and a swelling hand.

Answer 5

There are small bubbles of gas in the sinovial fluid within the sinovial capsule that, when compressed, implode making that cracking sound.

Answer 6

It's the fluid around the knuckles that make the noise.

Answer 7

It is the release of a gas that makes the popping sound - and it has to build up again before you can "pop".

Answer 8

You can look forward to serious arthritis in the hands if you continue this practice. I'm not talking when you get really old, but in your 20s and 30s. You are making yourself handicapped if you repeatedly do this stunt. Arthritis is very painful.

Answer 9

Its air in the joints.

Answer 10

it's bubbles of nitrogen it the blood. you must wait untill it builds up again