<s>[INST] Can cracking knuckles cause arthritis? [/INST] 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. Source: UW Medicine. Link: https://orthop.washington.edu/patient-care/articles/arthritis/frequently-asked-questions-about-arthritis.html. Field: Rheumatology. Disease: Arthritis </s>