![]() ![]() That said, it is generally recommended that one not perform such activities too frequently or on purpose as there have been reports of joints/knuckles becoming loose from habitual cracking. Studies have looked at whether or not cracking your knuckles would lead to arthritis, and to date, no such correlation has been shown. In general, if the popping/cracking around a joint is not causing pain or swelling to occur or interfering with your function or activities, there shouldn’t be much concern. squeaking), and if you were experiencing this, it would likely be best to visit with your orthopedic surgeon to check the status of things and make sure the components were not wearing out in an abnormal fashion. ![]() Some older style knee/hip implants may result in noises (e.g. Lastly, arthritis can commonly be accompanied with crunching or cracking sensations and as long as it is not resulting in increasing pain or swelling, it is something that can be observed.This must be taken in a different context from the chronic, painless popping that someone may experience around their knee cap from soft-tissue issues. It is quite common for someone who injures their ACL to feel or hear a “pop” from the ligament rupturing. Other things must also be taken into account when discussing the cause of noise around a joint, such as prior injuries, surgeries, hardware/implants around the joint, and other accompanying symptoms.Another theory suggests natural painkillers (endorphins) are released with such activity, which may explain why it can be a difficult habit to break. Why does it feel good to crack a knuckle? Thoughts are that the pressure phenomenon within/around the joints stimulates certain receptors which allows for muscles to relax. A recent study investigated the bubble theory using MRI videos to propose the mechanism by which “cracking” your knuckles results in a negative-pressure event which draws synovial fluid into the joint, thus leading to the subsequent pop. Numerous theories and causes exist including ligament stretching, tendons snapping, nerves subluxing, or bubbles forming within the joint.Here are some need to know tidbits on joint popping and cracking. Popping, cracking, or crunching of joints is quite common and often nothing to be too concerned with, especially if it is not causing discomfort or affecting one’s activities. An acute injury resulting in an audible “pop” is different from a situation such as a hip “popping” for years. It’s a question most orthopedic surgeons get asked on a daily basis: “ My joint pops…is that normal?” Like most things in life, if it’s not broke (or hurting), don’t fix it. ![]()
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