answersLogoWhite

0

If you've ever laced your fingers together, turned your palms away from you and bent your fingers back, you know what knuckle popping sounds like. Joints produce that CRACK when bubbles burst in the fluid surrounding the joint. Joints are the meeting points of two separate bones, held together and in place by connective tissues and ligaments. Many of the joints in our bodies are surrounded by synovial fluid, a thick, clear liquid. When you stretch or bend your finger to pop the knuckle, you are causing the bones of the joint to pull apart. As they do, the connective tissue capsule that surrounds the joint is stretched. By stretching this capsule, you increase its volume. And as we know from chemistry class, with an increase in volume comes a decrease in pressure. So as the pressure of the synovial fluid drops, gases dissolved in the fluid become less soluble, forming bubbles through a process called cavitation. When the joint is stretched far enough, the pressure in the capsule drops so low that these bubbles burst, producing the pop that we associate with knuckle cracking.

It takes about 25-30 minutes for the gas to redissolve into the joint fluid. During this period of time, your knuckles will not crack. Once the gas is redissolved, cavitation is once again possible, and you can start popping your knuckles again.

As for the harms associated with this habit, according to Anatomy and Physiology Instructors' Cooperative, only one in-depth study regarding the possible detriments of knuckle popping has been published. This study, done by Raymond Brodeur and published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, examined 300 knuckle crackers for evidence of joint damage. The results revealed no apparent connection between joint cracking and Arthritis; however, habitual knuckle poppers did show signs of other types of damage, including soft tissue damage to the joint capsule and a decrease in grip strength. This damage is most likely a result of the rapid, repeated stretching of the ligaments surrounding the joint. A professional Baseball pitcher experiences similar, although obviously heightened, effects in the various joints of his pitching arm. But assuming you haven't signed a multimillion dollar contract to constantly pop your knuckles, it hardly seems worth the possible risk to your joints.

On the positive side, there is evidence of increased mobility in joints right after popping. When joints are manipulated, the Golgi tendon organs (a set of nerve endings involved in humans' motion sense) are stimulated and the muscles surrounding the joint are relaxed. This is part of the reason why people can feel "loose" and invigorated after leaving the chiropractor's office, where cavitation is induced as part of the treatment. Backs, knees, elbows and all other movable joints are subject to the same kind of manipulation as knuckles are.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Are cracking your fingers and toes good for you?

I know cracking knuckles leads to fat knuckles when older. So cracking toe knuckles can be harmful. Their only good when you crack them while stretching, not for fun


How many Americans crack their knuckles?

2 out of every 3 Americans crack their knuckles. There are some theories that say cracking the knuckles may be harmful and can cause arthritis.


What do crackling knuckles sound like?

Cracking knuckles sound like cracking knuckles


Is cracking your knuckles just cracking blood?

no


Can cracking your knuckles cause your fingers to go crooked?

No. Cracking the knuckles does not damage tot he joint.


Is it harmful to crack your knuckles?

Cracking your knuckles may not cause arthritis, but it can lead to reduced grip strength and swelling in some cases. Frequent knuckle cracking may also weaken the ligaments surrounding the joints over time.


What happens when you crack your knuckles and it's really bad?

Cracking your knuckles repeatedly can cause joint damage, reduced grip strength, and potentially lead to arthritis in the long term. It's best to avoid this habit to prevent potential joint problems and discomfort.


Does cracking your knuckles cause them to be short and fat?

No. It Makes your knuckles swell up and never goes away. :\ So stop cracking your knuckles!!


Why cant you stop cracking or knuckles?

Its a habit i do it and it is harmful try doing stuff to stop like i wear a rubber band every time i crack my knuckles i simply snap it on my wrist


What is treament for cracking your knuckle?

Cracking your knuckles does not lead to arthritis, as some people may think. There is no treatment available for cracking your knuckles as it is not a medical condition.


If your knuckles are big due to cracking your knuckles can you reduce their size?

Cracking knuckles doesn't cause knuckles to permanently swell or increase in size. The temporary swelling after cracking is due to the stretching of the joint capsules and the release of gas bubbles, which does not result in long-term changes like enlarged knuckles.


Do your wrists get swollen from cracking your fingers and knuckles?

There is no data linking swollen wrists with knuckle cracking. In fact, there is no data linking knuckle cracking with swollen knuckles or arthritis.