My joints crack when I twist them, could that be bad?

Question:

My wrists, emblows, toes, and ankles crack constantly when I move them. Its not hurting yet, but its just sort of odd. My parents blame it on growing pains, but I'm not exactly sure yet. Sometimes when I twist it the wrong way it may go numb for a second, like when you hit your funny bone. Is this a problem? or is it just when growing teens go through?

Answers:
I've been cracking joints, fingers, toes, etc, since I was 12 (I'm 27 now) and I've yet to explode or anything. As far as I know, its a totally harmless effect; its just the sudden release of pressure that's built up b/w two joints. I've heard a lot of urban myths about it leading to joint pain later in life, but there's no evidence to support that, and I've known people far older than me that crack joints regularly with no ill effects.

If you're losing feeling in an area after moving it a certain way, its likely that you are pressing something up against a nerve. Just don't move it that way anymore! If you're noticing numbness or pain in areas even without instigating it, I'd call your doctor and ask him/her about it.

Well, I've been cracking my knuckles since I was 12, and I am in my later 20's. If I crack them too much, these days, they go numb, and at times I will get nerve pain in the area. So, I suppose it can do some nerve damage if you do it on purpose constantly. If its just happening just because you are moving, I wouldn't worry about it. Joints are very loose in teen years. They will become less loose and more rigid later on.

More Questions and Answers

The consumer health information on youqa.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.

My joints crack when I twist them, could that be bad?

Health Resources