Now everyone must of heard that this can cause arthritus in later life but i wanted to know, is this actually true. I’ve also been told that all that happens is air escapes from somewhere (between bones??). Which is true. Both, one or neither
Yes to trapped air /gasses and I presume yes to the arthritus as your un-naturally
stessing the joints if its done frequently.
Admittedly I do it quite a bit myself to the annoyance of my fellow co-workers but it
kind of takes away the strain/stress in the hands and I feel better for doing it, but
know I should not.
But I do the same with my neck… I suffer a lot with my neck/back from a cycle accident
some 15+ years ago and to be honest again some days I just have to do it to relieve the
tension… and god do I feel good for doing it afterwards.
However i just know in year’s to come I’m gonna suffer it.
P.s. For anyone with arthritis etc… Emu Oil is ment to be rather good 
Have a gander at this link for a read on hand joints…
http://www.allaboutarthritis.com/AllAboutArthritis/layoutTemplates/html/en/contentdisplay/document/condition/arthritis/clinicalArticle/Causes_of_Arthritis_of_the_Finger.htm
No it is not true as an Rheumatiod Arthritis sufferer, I was told that they are not 100% entirely sure what can cause the condition, wheather its geanetic…etc
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive disease in which various
joints of the body are inflamed, leading to swelling, stiffness, pain, and
possible loss of function. In RA, an error in the immune system causes
production of cytokines (proteins released by immune system and other
cells) that cause destruction and inflammation of the synovium, a membrane
that creates a protective sac around a joint. The error in the immune system
is why RA is referred to as an autoimmune disorder. The synovium also provides
oxygen and nutrients to cartilage (coating at the ends of bones). The
cartilage is gradually destroyed, narrowing the joint space and eventually
damaging bone. Eventually, a pannus—a growth composed of thickened
synovial tissue—is formed, which produces additional enzymes that continue
to destroy cartilage and bones. The involved joints can lose their shape
and alignment, leading to pain and loss of function.
Affected areas of RA include:
* hands
* wrists
* elbows
* shoulders
* neck
* hips
* knees.
RA also can harm other parts of the body, including the eyes, heart, lungs,
and kidneys.
What causes rheumatoid arthritis?
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not known. Several factors
have been examined that may lead to the discovery of a possible cause
of the disease.
The Immune Response
* The body's natural immune system does not function normally, resulting
in the immune system attacking healthy joint tissue and causing inflammation
and subsequent joint damage.
Genetic Factors
* Heredity, or the genes you get from your parents, may be a factor. It is
believed that genes assist in the process of RA and that these factors are
required to activate the disease. Many people with RA have a genetic marker
called HLA-DR4.
* Mutation of the P53 gene also may be a factor. This may explain why
there is progressive destruction of cartilage and bone after inflammation
has been treated.
Biologic Factors
* It is believed that while no bacteria or viruses have been shown to
cause RA, they may trigger the disease in people who have an inherited
tendency for the RA.
* People with RA appear to have a below-normal level of cortisol, a
hormone secreted by the adrenal gland and in women,
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a weak male hormone.
Curly
I think he’s actually referring to Osteo rather than Rheumatoid Curly. But again, root cause is not actually known although the belief is that it’s caused by repetitive strain on the joint cartilage causing it to flake/foam and degenerate.
Neither are pleasant conditions, but having seen my mother gradually degenerate over the past 30 years primarily from Rheumatoid Arthritis, my opinion is that is the worst of the 2.
No its not true
Doesent cause arthritis at all. Its just liberating a pocket of gas from in between the joints.
I wouldn’t say it would cause arthritis, you should hear my back when I’m at the chiropractor!!! Its the same thing and they would hardly do anything that would cause more pain 
Ditto. If you have a chiropractor check with them. I’ll check with mine as I have an appt tomorrow, but I believe its merely gas release or the joints realigning to the way they should be as happens with your back when the chiro does his “adjustment” that happens to make that loverly cracking sound.
After talking with a lot of Bio Natscis and Medics, I’ve been informed that the rumours about it causing arthiritis are untrue. In fact, it’s supposed to be quite good for you to do it occasionally. It’s a release of Nitrogen gas from your joints that builds up.
Only problem is that as you crack your joints, you need to do so more often. 
And it’s annoying to some people, too.
I talked with my chiro this morning and he confirmed there is no proof that it causes arthritis and it is a release of nitrogen gas built up in pockets, however he also mentioned that in doing this you extend the ligaments and can cause them to break down faster. He doesn’t recommend doing it frequently, but if the knuckles feel restricted then give it a shot.
I’ve been having a bit of carpel tunnel lately and he performed an adjustment on my hand. Hurt like :cussing: but afterward my hand felt better and I’ve had no trouble today. He suggested an exercise to help rebuild the tunnel properly.
well thanks everyone, now i know what to say to people when they cringe at me and tell me how horrible it is