At the beginning stages of your cracking career, did you have second thoughts about the possible side effects on you knuckles (or elsewhere), or were you just dead set on becoming a pro and enjoying the satisfaction? At this point, how do you feel about it? Just curious to hear your personal experiences.

I'm interested to study the correllation between habitual cracking and the swelling of the knuckles. I haven't found much research on the topic, but would love to learn more. Right now I'm assuming that swelling of the finger knuckles is an automatic side effect of frequent cracking. Additionally, I'm curious if the swelling goes down once someone gives up the habit. This concerns me since I think many people find swollen knuckles unattractive.

Thanks for the 2 methods..I've tried them but I'm not having much luck..any warm up exercises? other tricks?

I'm just a new knuckle-cracker…I've only been at it for a couple of DAYS.. Is it really worth it? How long did it take before you find yourself doing it without thinking? Also, I usually can only crack about 4 knuckles in a row. Does it get easier as time goes by? And, are there any other methods besides for pulling (which i don't like) that usually work? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.