From: utzoo!decvax!ucbvax!CAD:tektronix!tekmdp!markp Newsgroups: net.med Title: knuckle-cracking Article-I.D.: tekmdp.1708 Posted: Fri Jan 21 15:56:03 1983 Received: Mon Jan 24 05:46:48 1983 Some years ago I picked up the annoying habit of cracking my knuckles. Only now am I finally able to quit doing it, and I'm wondering if anyone out there can speak with authority on some questions I have -- What exactly is the mechanism by which knuckles will "crack" or "pop" when bent or pulled? What damage and/or deterioration may be expected as a result of extended periods of frequent deliberate cracking of the knuckles? Can knuckle-cracking be a self-perpetuating habit in that it sets up conditions in the joints which cause them to stiffen unless cracked occasionally? Are there many people who have this habit? Can anyone speak of ill effects (or the lack thereof) as a result of long, personal experience? What about the normal-motion-induced cracking of other joints? Mark R. Paulin ...decvax!teklabs!tekmdp!markp