Knuckle cracking, joints, etc

**Mudge** · 10-09-2003, 11:49 AM

I was never a knuckle cracker or anything of the sort till about a year ago. Now I crack my knuckles (pressing the fists together) and even my elbows pretty religiously through the day. Obviously this is in one way or another workout related, but I'd like to know how bad this is or if it has anything to do with synovial fluid levels or what.

I can only go on the supposed truth that cracking your knuckles is bad, but I've never seen nor read anything to really state why this is "bad."

**prophet** · 10-09-2003, 01:32 PM

it's bad cuz you pop the air out.. your joints will build up something (i forget what, calcium deposit maybe) to replace the air and it'll make it more and more stiff.. the more you crack, the more you "feel" you need to so just stop now and you'll be fine.. i know all this cuz i had a chiropracter and asked him this specifically

**tucker01** · 10-09-2003, 02:42 PM

There is no evidence that cracking you knuckles causes Arthritis.

The Cracking Noise is Caused by Negative Pressure in the Synovial Fluid which causes a gas to form, you will reach a point where the gas bubble will burst, that is the cracking noise.

You will also notice it takes a while before you can crack your joints, that is the time it takes for the gas to enter the synovial fluid again.

However there is concern about soft tissue damage.

**Mudge** · 10-09-2003, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by IainDaniel
However there is concern about soft tissue damage.

That sounds somewhat believable, I always thought it was stupid but now it feels like a requirement. I have it in my hands, wrists and elbows, mostly the hands/elbows. I am assuming its from heavy lifting because I have never had this issue when I was younger, or even up to about a year ago this is fairly recent.

**tucker01** · 10-09-2003, 02:53 PM

Yeah, I never used to crack my knuckles when I younger either, now it is like second nature. I am trying to stop as I am beginning to notice a little aggrivation from it everyday.

**Mudge** · 10-09-2003, 03:04 PM

I actually kind of like it, as stupid as that sounds. I'd say I do it 3-5 times a day. I am kicking my ass in the gym right now and loving it, and I can only "blame" it on that, because its gotten worse since then.

I crack my knuckles by pushing the fists together, not the hand wrap that so many people do, if that happens to mean anything I can't really say.

**tucker01** · 10-09-2003, 03:09 PM

I swear my hands are going through withdrawl right now, because I refuse to crack them. I think this is the only addiction I have ever had to fight. Well other than food!

**brian** · 10-09-2003, 03:22 PM

If I extend my arms completely ... (I have some hyperextension in the elbow area) .. my elbows will crack. At least 2 or 3 times a day. When they do, I feel great ...

I don't want to crack them ... it just happens. Same with my one ankle and knees too.

I once heard a certain vitamin or mineral can help.. I also heard a certain oil would lubricate the joints. Ever heard that?

**prophet** · 10-09-2003, 07:27 PM

did no one read my post? it's bad for you and that's what my chiropracter told me.. i used to crack my knuckle and my back.. ah whatever

**Mindless** · 10-09-2003, 07:48 PM

I have a problem, I cannot do forearm exercises because when I move my wrist it cracks. Everytime. I never intentionally cracked and joints in my body, is there anyway to stop this without buying stuff?

**gr81** · 10-09-2003, 07:55 PM

I have the same prob mudge, had it as long as I can remember. I crack my knuckles and all teh joints in the fingers and shit just by habit, I hope it isn't too bad b/c I don't know if I could judt quit, it is too subconcious of a thing for me.

**Mudge** · 10-09-2003, 09:17 PM

Originally posted by prophet
did no one read my post? it's bad for you and that's what my chiropracter told me.. i used to crack my knuckle and my back.. ah whatever

I read it, dont know why you think anyone missed it. I have heard something similar before, same story about the chiro. Makes sense to me that the body would want to release it because it sure feels awkward not doing it.

**DuhFee** · 10-09-2003, 11:21 PM

Okay this is a little off topic but since I sprained my ankle a few years back it cracks a lot when I walk. I mean not like its deafening or anything but I can't exactly sneak around in the middle of the night. LOL.

**leg_press** · 10-10-2003, 04:14 PM

That's like me whenever I bend my knees after sitting with them bend for a while then go all stiff and when I eextend my leg the joint cracks it gets really annoying because if I sit with my legs bent for too long it I get a cramp as I extend them

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