Why do Knuckles and Other Joints Crack?

Dr. Randy Widmaier, D.C.

Hello Zona! I’m Dr. Randy Widmaier and I’m excited to be part of In the Zona Magazine! I’ve been Chiropractor for more than 20 years and am and a member of the AZ Chiropractic Society and the Christian Chiropractic Association. My office is on Camelback and 44th St. Stop by and let us know you saw us In the Zona!

As my first article, I thought I’d tackle the age old question, “Why do joints crack.” People of all ages experience cracking joints. From knuckles to knees, backs to toes, we all hear the occasional pop now and again.

There are actually lots of answers to why our joints crack. Some research points to a process called cavitation. Sometimes small cavities are formed in the joints. Those cavities form vacuums and, when fluid finds the vacuum, they rush in producing a sound. Sometimes the movement of ligaments and tendons can make a noise. You can hear this when your ankle makes the same clicking sound as you move it back and forth. Eventually this goes away as the tendons and ligaments find a position where they can stretch without moving.
It’s great to be here! I look forward to seeing all of you in the pages of In the Zona!