Does 'popping' the fingers does any harm to it?

This is such an interesting question, I really learned a lot researching this answer!

I have always been told that 'popping' the finger joints can lead to arthritis, as the 'pop' is actually the cartilages cracking against each other, which can cause damage. Seems like this is what people are commonly told.

But after reading the articles in the links below, I'm not sure how true ~ some scientists and doctors who say it is harmful and others say it isn't.

Apparently in the short term, it DOES make the cracked joint feel looser and actually increases mobility of the joint! Long term damage is what is open to debate.

I can totally sympathise with your desire to 'pop' your fingers though. I'm not a pianist (I wish I was!), but I do a lot of typing and some days 'cracking my knuckles' (the Australian way of saying it) really helps my fingers feel loose again!

Maybe it's got a bad reputation because it actually feels good, haha.

Cheers