Joints cracking.

I'm not sure if this is in the right forum, but I know this is a common issue with people and a search didn't turn up anything...which I think the amount of searches per time limit should be increased by the way. Anyway, how do you stop joints from cracking? Many people have cracking when they rotate their wrists, extend their elbows, knees crack when squatting, ankles, finger joints upon closing, and I suppose any other joint is as common as the next. Regardless, I have done a bit of research on it and I know a few causes, but little to do on how to fix it. Any suggestions?

Depends if it is a painful "crack" or not.

The painful variety often feels more like a "clunk" than a "crack" The cause for this is often an inflamed tendon moving over the joint. This occurs with the hip, for example. Treatment could involve non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or even cortico-steriod tablets or injections (either systemic or local - directly into the joint).

If you're referring to the (non-painful) "popping" sound that your knees or ankles sometimes make when you squat etc. this is most commonly caused by nitrogen bubbles in the joint. I'm not sure if there is, or needs to be, a "fix".

Sorry, I forgot to mention that it's not painful. Nitrogen huh? Haven't heard that one yet, I'll look into it. Yes, there are many reasons why I would like it fixed though.

Have a look around on the net. I've just found these:

http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/joint.html

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Does_cracking_your_knuckles_really_give_you_arthritis

I don't know if there is any "fix" for the gas bubble type "cracking". I'd see a doctor if is really troubling you.