Popping and Cracking Your Joints: Is it Harmful? Here’s What the Experts Say

We have experienced cracking or snapping our joints from time to time, whether it be intentional or involuntary. We have all been in that situation where we will hear that cracking sound when we stand up, our knees snap, or when we turn our heads we get to hear a popping sound. So, what is going on? Why do people crack their joints, why do they do it, and is it harmful?

Before we dive into those questions, those cracking sounds we often hear and experience might annoy our peers and us. For others, this causes panic as they often hear the myth from their teachers or irritated parents that cracking our joints can cause arthritis. Well, there is a reason why it will continue to be a myth because the facts say otherwise.

Joint cracking is nothing to worry about, says orthopedic surgeon Kim L. Stearns, MD.

“It is a normal, common occurrence,” Dr. Stearns says, adding “if the constant cracking gets coupled with consistent pain or swelling, that can signal that something is wrong. That is the time to see a doctor”.

What causes the joints to pop?

There may have been studies about the noises we hear when cracking a joint. However, it is not entirely clear what causes the popping noise though studies have found that the most likely cause of joint cracking is an abrupt shift in joint volume that results in the brief creation of a bubble of gases, according to Dr. Robert Klapper, orthopedic surgeon and co-director of the Joint Replacement Program.

“The noise of cracking or popping in our joints is nitrogen bubbles bursting in our synovial fluid,” says Dr. Klapper.

These gases are typically dissolved in the joint fluid but might quickly exit the solution when the pressure drops.

The cracking sound is thought to be caused by the unstable gas bubble imploding quickly.

Why do people do it? 

Cracking a joint daily is as harmless as it can be. For others, it may have been their morning ritual or has become a harmless habit. There are many reasons why people do this action.

The sensation. Some people think that the physical feeling of cracking a joint gives them a sense of relief where the tension they have been feeling disappears in mid-air.

Sound. The noise that it produces is like music to others’ ears. Though this may become annoying to some, for joint crackers, it is pleasing.

Stress & Nervousness. When one is pressured or stressed, this is one of their ways to cope. Sometimes, it helps them as it diverts their attention elsewhere.

Habit. These joint crackers cannot live their day without doing it because they have grown accustomed to it. This action shows out of nowhere, sometimes without them noticing it.

Is it harmful? 

Cracking one’s joints does not cause harm to one’s body, and it is therefore stated that it is not something worrisome. However, if you notice swellings and felt pain after doing so, that is the time to go and see a doctor.