Why do people 'crack' their knuckles?

EdwardTeach · 23 Nov 2011 at 16:09

I need to crack my neck a few times a day, feels really uncomfortable until I do it.

My chest used to crack when I stretch, but that seems to have stopped fortunately.

^TANK^ · 23 Nov 2011 at 16:11

jimbob27 said:
It's not bad for your joints and it doesn't cause arthritis, but.....

According to a study of people that have been doing it for 35 years, it will completely destory your grip-strength later in life.

http://www.abc.net.au/science/k2/homework/s95607.htm

Well I've been cracking my knuckles for over twenty years and my grip is silly strong! At one point I was shrugging 350 kilos and doing 400 kilo seated rows whilst cracking my knuckles daily.

Col_M · 23 Nov 2011 at 16:12

My thumbs, back and shoulders crack sometimes, not always on demand, feels good once it's done though.

Dasheh · 23 Nov 2011 at 16:46

I generally do it without thinking about it, it just feels good. The crack is a nice noise too. Only crack my knuckles though.

Anim · 23 Nov 2011 at 16:57

I think i do it either due to stress/anxiety or to conciously reduce the stress/anxiety, i feel just a little bit of relaxation when a knuckle cracks.

MisChief · 23 Nov 2011 at 17:03

Anim said:
I think i do it either due to stress/anxiety or to conciously reduce the stress/anxiety, i feel just a little bit of relaxation when a knuckle cracks.

Surely it's bad cracking your knuckles when stressed.... You might over crack and hurt yourself :eek:

Hxc · 23 Nov 2011 at 17:04

My fingers get painful, the crack releaves the pain.

Hyburnate · 23 Nov 2011 at 17:06

Cause their *****?

Moothead2 · 23 Nov 2011 at 17:07

I crack all of my knuckles, the first joint down from the knuckle on my fingers, my right wrist and all three of my thumbs joints on each hand regularly. Most of the time I do it without thinking and it really disgusts my friend who I sit next to or near in around 80% of my lessons

. My fingers do sometimes feel stiff and there is usually a tiny bit of discomfort and cracking them stops this. I can also occasionally crack my back, knee and ankle and can crack a couple of my toes whenever. It's a bad habit really but it does feel good, brah!

Moogman · 23 Nov 2011 at 17:11

Love cracking my knuckles feels great can do my neck and back sometimes as well but the knuckles is where its at. I liken it to having bubble wrap with you where ever you go.

Tom84 · 23 Nov 2011 at 17:14

XeNoN89 said:
I do it because i feel like they need to be clicked

This tbh, I don't do it because of boredom or nervousness I just do it because a couple of times a day it feels like it needs doing

It's probably all physiological

Vonhelmet · 23 Nov 2011 at 17:23

For the craic.

robj20 · 23 Nov 2011 at 17:34

Skip to 1:00, if its good enough for him its good enough for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqzQ2qrtBeg

G-MAN2004 · 23 Nov 2011 at 18:16

Elixir said:
Cracking of your fingertips?

Yep, I grip the end of my fingers and snap them sideways to crack them. Can't even help doing it, but I bloody regret it.

Gaz1988 · 23 Nov 2011 at 18:18

every joint n my fingers/wrists and also my left elbow

its cracking like!

Glaucus · 23 Nov 2011 at 18:19

Because it feels like there is a build up of pressure. Probably psychosomatic but still, it needs to be done.

Brumboy · 23 Nov 2011 at 18:48

A habit I picked up years ago, I find it relieving!

I always crack my fingers, toes, wrist and back when I wake up..feels soooo good!

ZeroSight · 23 Nov 2011 at 18:50

I crack my fingers and big toes. Feels good Brah!

Mp4 · 23 Nov 2011 at 18:58

I do this also!

But Off topic

Sloppy/Crunchy eaters are 100x worse

ashrobbo · 23 Nov 2011 at 18:59

I still do it, really shouldn't, not sure why.