Why do people have this idea that cracking your knuckles or something of the sort leads to arthritis? Is it a misconception, or is there more truth to it than meets the eye? ( My eye, at least.)

Athritis means basically damage caused to the joints, so following this, yes cracking knuckles could have a lot to do with arthritis because when you are cracking knuckles, you are doing damage to the joints in the hand. But then again, arthritis doesn't have to be invited, it can come to anyone, anytime and there are many different dabilitating forms.

This from Dr. Peter Bonafede medical director of the Providence Arthritis Center at Providence Portland Medical Center. His response to the question, "does cracking my knuckles increase the rsik of arthritis?" "Likely not. I'm not saying "definitely no" because, while cracking knuckles is common, research on its effects is not. We have only a handful of studies on the subject. None shows a definite link between knuckle cracking and arthritis.

However, cracking your knuckles is neither harmless nor desirable. The arthritis connection may be an old wives' tale, but cracking your knuckles can hurt your hand in other ways, and there's no benefit to it. Some students crack their knuckles after writing a great deal, but cracking knuckles isn't a solution for writer's cramp. Instead, take a break, and bend and stretch out your fingers a few times."

For the complete article see: Ask an Expert: Knuckle Cracking and Arthritis

The University of Washington's Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine site has the following:
"Can cracking knuckles cause arthritis?

There is no evidence that cracking one's knuckles can cause arthritis directly. However, repeated injury of a joint or repeatedly causing it to swell can injure the cartilage and potentially lead to degenerative joint disease."

For the complete question and answers on arthritis see:
About arthritis - Frequently Asked Questions about Arthritis.

Your right to disagree, Tickle. I have arthritis and my knuckles pop but instead of cracking them, I stretch them. My own doctor told me that while there no direct link to knuckle cracking and arthritis, he also said that was an activity he did not recommend.

I certainly did not mean to insult you or your knowledge.

Basically no problem and apologies if you got the wrong impression, I certainly did not think you were insulting my knowledge, shygrneyzs. I have severe degenerative arthritis in my hands so I definitely know about arthritis pain and side effects. However, it hasn't seemed to impair my abilities to do the things I like best, yet. Peace.

Thanks, tickle and shy!( I can't seem to spell your name right.)