How can I stop cracking my knuckles?

1. 69

   stephaniedasposted 12 years ago

   How can I stop cracking my knuckles?
   
   I've had this horrible habit since I was a little kid. I think its time to stop, but I usually don't even notice I'm doing it. How can I break the habit?

   replyreport
2. 83

   jimmythejockposted 12 years ago

   Break your fingers, lol only joking, old habits die hard you have to train yourself to stop it, it could take a while and some will power.
   when you notice you are doing it force yourself to stop it after a while you will do it less and less.

   replyreport
3. 59

   ambassadornchainsposted 12 years ago

   I decided I needed to a long time ago and actually stopped for a while!  I would squeeze my fists instead of popping them when I got the urge.

   replyreport
4. 60

   OutsideTheLinesposted 12 years ago

   Don't do it. Just kidding. What has worked for me when I'm trying to break a simple habit is to wear a ponytail holder with the little metal bracket on it and pop my wrist with it any time I have the urge to falter to my habit. I know it sounds weird, but it works.

   replyreport
5. 60

   conradgohposted 12 years ago

   It is said that cracking your knuckles does not pose any harm to your body. It is just the release of gas trapped between the joints. However, if you want to stop doing that, your willpower is very important. Everything starts from the mind. This is easier said than done, I know. Haha.

   replyreport
6. 73

   brakel2posted 12 years ago

   My husband also snaps rubber bands on wrists   His bad habit is swearing. It works. I do it to remember to stay calm when things are crazy. Try it and good luck.

   replyreport
7. 61

   nlclarkposted 12 years ago

   Not sure if it's a wives-tale, but my Grandma told me if I keep cracking my knuckles I'll get arthritis, and my knuckles will become enlarged.  I stopped.  That probably won't work, since you already know you want to stop.
   
   When I need to remember something, I put a rubber band or pony tail holder on my finger.  It's really annoying, and keeps reminding me of what I have to do.

   replyreport