Tips to stop cracking my knuckles

I need to stop cracking my knuckles, I am only 15 and my hands are starting to hurt from it. Any tips or tricks, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks much!

From this site:
http://www.hindu.com...

"The energy generated at the joint that you crack is about seven per cent of what is needed to damage it, but imagine the effect if joints are cracked repeatedly for years. Orthopaedicians say that bits of cartilage are torn away each time the joints are cracked. This leads to tendon swelling and joint pain similar to arthritis. Many complain that they lose the grip strength of their hands whose fingers they have been cracking habitually for years. They also complain that their finger joints ache. Many enthusiasts prefer to hide this fact but not for long.

Some knuckle-cracking enthusiasts claim that their joints pain when they do not crack them — a response similar to a withdrawal symptom.

Why risk joint aches later in life? If your joints crack when you move or bend, you need not worry. But if you plan to relish the sound and the fury of popping joints, think twice before you turn it into a habit. It may cause you grief in future."

I have no idea how to stop. I only crack my knuckles when they are sore. Cracking them makes the aching go away. Maybe you should talk to your dr or something? sorry I couldnt help too much! Angie

I have that same problem.. and econsults advice sucks because shes should have told you this way before.. lol

I don't know if it will work for you, but I used to do the same thing, and I stopped by clenching my fist instead. It was a mind over matter thing for me, whenever you go to do it, clench your fist for a second and move on to whatever you were doing. I don't know if it'll help you though, good luck!

Wow clenching your fists works for me, It kinda relaxes them... :D

I broke my finger by cracking them if I were you I would stop asap

oh my god!! you broke your finger?

I've been cracking my fingers since I was 4 because I saw my dad doing it. It's become an ocd, and I can't stop. I've tried to but if I don't I feel like something's wrong. How can I stop!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!