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It takes time for this gas to build back up, which is why you cannot repeatedly crack the same joint over and over and over again. They are painless, do not cause damage, and often even relieve symptoms (at least temporarily). To physical therapists and chiropractors, this sound is known as a “cavitation”.
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When these bubbles implode or “pop” the sound associated with “cracking your knuckles” is produced. Changes are pressure- which can occur with movement- can cause gas bubbles to form within the fluid. It lubricates the joints to decrease friction between the surfaces. Think of this as your body’s natural oil. Popping: all joints are surrounded by synovial fluid. There are, however, some cases in which the sounds should be addressed with the general rule of thumb being: any of these sounds occurring in a joint that is not accompanied by pain are typically nothing to worry about. The reality is that there are many explanations for these sounds- most of which are often entirely harmless if not accompanied by pain. A patient will be on the table and say to me “my shoulder cracks every time I raise my arm…is that bad?” or “I feel a click in my knee every time I extend it…how do I get it to stop?”. This is one of the most frequently asked questions I get on a day-to-day basis. Does your body often make craking, popping, clicking, grinding noises when you move?