Cracking Joints Isn’t Bad for You and Could Even Serve a Useful Purpose

People crack their joints because they feel better, looser, or less stiff afterwards. By Andrey_Popov//Shutterstock

Some people habitually crack their joints, others can’t, and many are irritated by those who do.

So what’s going on? Why do people do it, is it harmful, what makes the noises, and what would happen if our joints weren’t able to crack?