My bones keep making noises every time I stretch (exercise, medical, how to)

[ToystoryM]

Recently, I noticed that every time I do simple stretches, there is a loud noise. I google'd the problem and understand it's some form of gas between the bones escaping which produce the noise.

But I can't find any information how to get rid of it. I didn't have the problem until recently. Even though it doesn't hurt, I want to know why is it happening. Is it because I'm lacking calcium or is it because I haven't exercised for such a long time.

[Charles]

The only known solution is to grow younger.

[Matt Kim]

I started cracking my knuckles a long time ago. So when the rest of the bones started doing it, it did not seem like a big deal.

[AnonChick]

It's normal. It happens when gas builds up in the joints, and then you move the joint. Some peoples are louder than others, some don't build up as much, some build up more. Some people "crack their knuckles" on purpose because it feels good, some don't. It takes around 20 minutes for the gas to build up enough that the joints are crackable - and I enjoy doing it, so I do it at least once an hour, sometimes twice.

It's harmless, -however- if you overextend too much, you can pull a tendon or muscle. It doesn't cause or contribute to arthritis, just in case you've heard it might. That was an old medical misinformation that was cleared up.