Hand surgeon Omar Nazir, MD answers your questions about knuckle cracking.
Crack! Pop! Snap! We are all familiar with the unique sounds that come from our joints. While knuckle cracking causes some to breathe a side of relief, other cringe at the sound.
What causes the “cracking” sound?
Numerous theories have been proposed as to the cause of these sounds. Over the past hundred years ideas ranging from the realignment of tendons, small bands within the joints (plicas) and sudden tightening of the joint capsule have all been proposed.