Hi! I am curious about bones "popping". For example, your ankle pops, or people who pop their knuckles, etc... When bones "pop", what are they doing?
Thank you!

-Trinity

It depends which joints.

In your knuckles, it is air bubbles in the fluids surroundign the joints popping. This can also happen with other joints.

I've read different things about neck cracking. Some say it is the same effect as knuckles (cavitation), others say it is caused by the ligaments and tendons sliding over bumps on the bones.

Other joints lock up because something gets caught in between the joint surfaces. Torn cartilage in the knee or a loose piece of bone or cartilage in the joint can do this. As they come unlocked, they often pop. (my shoulders and occasionally my knees do this)

Arthritic joints may crack and grind because of the roughness of the joint due to loss of the smooth cartilage.


back to knuckle popping:
pro: increased mobility right after popping.
cons: causes soft tissue damage and decreased grip strength. (contrary to popular opinion, there is no evidence for a link to arthritis).

[This message was edited by methos5000 on 07-28-03 at 08:30 AM.]

Thank you, Methos.

-Trinity