What does popping your fingers really do?

Question

okay so i have a really! really! bad habit of popping my fingers everyone says not to do it because it causes arthritis is it true?

Answer 1

You keep that up, and on down the line, your knuckles will swell. It doesn't hurt to do it once in a while, but several times a day, and it has become a habit, better break that habit and soon. Best to you young lady.  

Answer 2

Popping your fingers is actually good for you. It is called a distraction in therapy terms and is used in all joints of the body as a pain reliever. As for causing arthritis, it actually helps with the pain associated with it.

Answer 3

No, it is not true.  You are simply popping the bubble of the fluid that is in the joints of the fingers.  Nothing more.  Recent studies show that if it makes your joint feel more mobile, it is okay to crack or pop them.