General Q and A Forum - Cracking knuckles

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Q: Cracking knuckles

asked by: DoctorQuestion on February 9th, 2008

I would like to know if the cracking of knuckles could have any long term damaging affect. My daught is 17.She has had a painfull back for several years which she releives by twisting her body until her back clicks loudly. She also has trouble with the bone structure of her feet. She constantly cracks her finger joints. She has seen the doctor but was only told she is very supple and nothing can be found.
thankyou for reading this and I look forward to your repy.

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on February 19th, 2008

General Q and A Answer A3676

Constant cracking of the knuckles is a kind of neurotic disorder called a tic where in anxiety transforms into a repetitive activity. Constant cracking of the knuckles can have long term damaging effects if done for too long. You can bring your daughter to a mental health professional to examine her tic-disorder and identify the cause of it.

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