<P> According to traditional belief , the popping of joints , especially knuckles , can lead to arthritis and other joint problems . However , medical research has so far failed to conclusively demonstrate a connection between knuckle cracking and long - term joint problems . The cracking mechanism and the resulting sound is caused by carbon dioxide cavitation bubbles suddenly partially collapsing inside the joints . </P>
where does the sound come from when you crack your knuckles
carbon dioxide cavitation bubbles suddenly partially collapsing inside the joints