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I've always cracked my knuckles and I was wondering whether it has an impact on piano playing. My current piano teacher doesn't seem to mind but some of my other friends who play piano say it's damaging for your fingers. Thoughts?

There are different studies that says that it does not seem harmful (though i guess it depends how strongly it is done). That said and irrespective of any kind of scientific evidence, i would say that i would not want to inflict that to my fingers. Even if it is not harmful, it is not proven that it brings any benefit. So in case of doubt, i would personally avoid torturing my fingers. They already suffered a lot from years of rock climbing and piano playing .....

My left wrist cracks when I, say, roll a chord up in a certain way every single time in certain pieces. I don't crack my knuckles deliberately, but piano will bring out the odd recurring crack or two.

I'm also wondering whether cracking your knuckles intentionally occasionally can cause any problems over a long period of time..or in the case of any fingers that have arthritis..

Dave

The OP is a teenage pianist. Although studies have not shown any effects from knuckle cracking, I would not be comfortable as a 14 yo assuming that it is definitely known not to have a negative impact 30 40 or 50 yrs from now. I would stop if I were in her age bracket.

I've cracked my knuckles for years and years and haven't had any problems other than perhaps grossing some people out who can't stand the sound. The only problems I've experienced are position and technique stuff, not this.