popping/crackling in hands

Hello! I was recently diagnosed with arthritis in my lower back and neck. I didn’t have my hands or feet checked for arthritis, but I suspect I have arthritis there too. So I have this weird thing that I do to relieve tension in my hands. I’ve been doing it for at least two years. I’ve been doing it for at least two years. When I feel tension built up in my hands, I will quickly snap my wrist. The result is a bunch of popping or crackling and the release of the tension. Does anybody else have experience with this strange exercise/experience? If so, is it related to arthritis or simply like popping your fingers and letting the gas out of your bones or something like that? I can do this about once every 20 minutes. It’s become a habit. Finally I need to know if it’s harmful or not? Thanks so much for your help!