Cracking joints=arthritis

Factual Questions
1

I know that this is likely an old wives’ tale, but it is said that popping your knuckles, etc. will result in arthritis in that joint. I’m not sure what to think about that, but considering the Rice Crispies sound effects that emanate from my body (an entire collection of snaps, crackles, and pops), it does cause me some concern.

I do not pop my knuckles or any other joint; they pop on their own. All of them. Ankle, knee, hip, vertebrae, neck, even my shoulders and elbows occasionally. The only one I intentionally crack is my back. I asked a doctor about this, and he said I just have very loose joints and I shouldn’t be concerned. I’m still hanging on to what he told me, but at the same time, I see a vet check an old dog for arthritis by seeing if the dog’s joints pop and crack.

Side note–I do believe Cecil discussed what causes the joints to crack some time ago; something about air or some variety of bubble(?) collecting in the joint. How the hell do bubbles form in joints, anyway?

Okay, I’m off to crack my back. Aaaahhhh, much better.

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2

I only know it helps in relaxing and the joint being cracked is much more flexible.

3

Cecil’s take on knuckle popping:
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_305b.html

4

In addition to the ligments over projections noise that Cecil mentioned, there can be crunchy sounds from damaged cartilege on the joint faces. This is more of a grinding sound from slow motions than a crack from sharp twists.

An ortho I talked to mentioned that ANYthing that traumatizes the joint can cause swelling and auto-immune responses.

Sure, I’m all for moderation – as long as it’s not excessive.