I've read everywhere that popping your knuckles doesn't do damage. Do you believe this? For me, when I pop my knuckles it feels better. Does it really do any damage?
According to the majority of opinions, it does not do joint damage, but studies are not conclusive. Here's a couple of links to that effect:
http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=8482e07 9-8512-47c2-960c-a403c77a5e4c&chunkiid=156990
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/bio99/bio99443.htm
http://www.physorg.com/news64162917.html
http://www.rps.psu.edu/probing/knuckles.html
And believe it or not, there's even a forum just for joint crackers (that I just found):
http://www.jointcrackers.com/
I have been popping things all my life...knuckles, elbows, ankles, knees, back, neck, etc. It definitely feels better after it pops and I honestly don't think I could have survived much of my pain without this relief. Interestingly enough, since the RA has hit my hands, I am mostly not able to pop them, and even coming close is very painful.
My knee pops on its own and I wish it would stop. It's been a lot less lately since the AP is starting to kick in.