Why do people pop/crack their knuckles?

@bjc66bjc (6730)
United States
December 17, 2011 11:32am CST
I have often wondered why do people crack/pop their knuckles.. I also have tried to do it but I just can't seem to do it. My grandson does it all the time and they crack/pop so loud that it sometimes sound scary like its hurting him but he says no it does not hurt. I don't know why I just can't do it...but it might be because I am not suppose to be doing it.
1 person likes this
7 responses
@GardenGerty (158139)
• United States
17 Dec 11
For some people it relieves the pressure in the joints. It does not hurt at all. It is a nervous habit for some. I do not usually do it, unless my joints are feeling funny and stiff.
@joni1215 (394)
• United States
18 Dec 11
When I was young I always just had the need to pop my knuckles and it felt better after I did it. They get air or something in them and the popping gets it out. I don't need to do it anymore though.
• Philippines
17 Dec 11
Its something that just can't be held back and it releases tension. A similar action is farting. It is a bad habit to fart, but you'd lose more for keeping all that gas inside.
• Philippines
18 Dec 11
Its because it's such a great feeling. I usually do this kind of habit, although this is not good for our joint because when we grow old it can have an effect on our joints. I love to this to stretch my fingers.
• India
18 Dec 11
I would often do that when I was a kid. But when I read somewhere that the phalangeal joints spread and become broad due to this, I discontinued doing that. I wanted my fingers to remain slenderer. But this is true that it doesn't hurt at all.
@jadoixa (1166)
• Philippines
17 Dec 11
i always see a lot of people doing it when i was younger and felt the same way i tried to do it myself, at first i was scared and feels like it might hurt me..it hurt a bit when you first do it and not used to it but i tried and after a while i am used to doing it..it feels great like you were able exercise your tired hands..
@sumanadep (1228)
• India
17 Dec 11
I do that a lot.. and I have also observed that I do that usually when I have been using my fingers a ot like writing , drawing or typing.. it feels good .. I think ti relieves the pain..