52
$\begingroup$

What causes the noise when you crack a joint? Is joint cracking harmful?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
46
$\begingroup$

The exact mechanism is unclear. Here are some possible causes:

  • rapid collapsing of cavities inside the joint [1];
  • rapid ligament stretching [1];
  • breaking of intra-articular adhesions [1];
  • escaping gases from synovial fluid [2];
  • movements of joints, tendons and ligaments [2];
  • mechanic interaction between rough surfaces [2], mostly in pathological situations like arthritis (and it is called crepitus [3]).

There are no known bad effects of joint cracking [1, 4].

There are no long term sequelae of these noises, and they do not lead to future problems. There is no basis for the admonition to not crack your knuckles because it can lead to arthritis. There are no supplements or exercises to prevent these noises [4].

And no good effects either:

Knuckle "cracking" has not been shown to be harmful or beneficial. More specifically, knuckle cracking does not cause arthritis [5].

References:

  1. Wikipedia contributors, "Cracking joints," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cracking_joints&oldid=617403659 (accessed July 22, 2014).
  2. The Library of Congress. Everyday Mysteries. What causes the noise when you crack a joint? Available from http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/joint.html (accessed 22.07.2014)
  3. Wikipedia contributors, "Crepitus," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Crepitus&oldid=615557134 (accessed July 22, 2014).
  4. Johns Hopkins Sports Medicine Patient Guide to Joint Cracking & Popping. Available from http://www.hopkinsortho.org/joint_cracking.html (accessed 22.07.2014)
  5. WebMD, LLC. Will Joint Cracking Cause Osteoarthritis? Available from http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/joint-cracking-osteoarthritis (accessed 22.07.2014)
Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
5
  • $\begingroup$ It might cause your significant other or roommates to go crazy and bop you on the head, though. $\endgroup$
    – Oldcat
    Commented Jul 22, 2014 at 22:58
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ I don't really see how anyone can say that there is no benefit. Only based on my experience, there is a reason for cracking a joint. Before cracking it, it "feels odd". Afterwards that feeling is relieved. Just because we don't know why that is, doesn't mean it's not beneficial. At the very least, subjectively it was beneficial, immediately. $\endgroup$
    – GreenAsJade
    Commented Jul 23, 2014 at 2:34
  • $\begingroup$ I believe I read that cracking your fingers causes reduced grip strength for some period of time. I cant recall the duration. I suppose that could be a slight negative but it eventually the grip strength is returned to normal. $\endgroup$
    – dustin
    Commented Apr 22, 2015 at 0:05
  • $\begingroup$ I can crack joins all day, so how's this so hard to figure out for scientists? It's not something you need years to wait for, it happens all the time... $\endgroup$
    – Tomáš Zato
    Commented Nov 3, 2015 at 15:46
  • $\begingroup$ I used to crack my fingerjoints a lot, and noticed that my fingers had become a lot weaker. Not sure if actually weaker, but playing piano had become a lot harder. Some anecdotal information if anyone's interested. $\endgroup$
    – Gendarme
    Commented Mar 31, 2017 at 9:44
15
$\begingroup$

Is joint-cracking harmful? No. Donald Unger was told by his mother that he'd get arthritis if he cracked his knuckles so he cracked his left knuckles every day for 60 years but never his right knuckles. He had no arthritis or any other problems in either hand and got a publication (D. L. Unger, "Does knuckle cracking lead to arthritis of the fingers?", Arthritis and Rheumatism 41(5):949–950, 1998 – online version for those with appropriate access) and an Ig Nobel Prize (2009) for his troubles.

OK, so one guy's knuckles prove nothing but who can resist the opportunity to cite an Ig Nobel winner?

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
0
8
$\begingroup$

A paper was just published that explains this phenomenon in PLOS One, found here. It looks like the sound is caused by the formation of a gas cavity in synovial fluid of the joints. They do mention that contrary to what is stated in the most upvoted answer here, the sound does not come from the collapse of the bubble, but rather its formation.

And in response to the comments, as mentioned in the paper, this does not seem to cause any harm to the meniscus or surrounding tissue.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .