Leonardo Mika
Leonardo Mika voted up John Doe's answer

It's not arthritis, nor will it cause arthritis....it's simply relieving the pressure within the joint and in most cases, makes the joint feel better.

Leonardo Mika
Leonardo Mika voted up Anonymous' answer

It doesn't cause arthritis to crack joints- your friends are right that it's actually bubbles forming in the synovial fluid in your joints.

What happens is that when you "pop" a joint you stretch the joint capsule, which rapidly releases the oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen gases in the synovial fluid.  These form bubbles which then … Read more