Joint Action

Methotrexate is a well-established drug used in oncology, but could it also play a role in managing osteoarthritis? In this episode of Joint Action, Professor David Hunter is joined by Dr Anna Døssing and Professor Robin Christensen to explore the potential of methotrexate as a treatment for osteoarthritis pain. They discuss: What methotrexate is and how it works Insights from a recent meta-analys...

Metformin is one of the world’s most prescribed drugs for type 2 diabetes - but could it also help with knee osteoarthritis? In this episode of Joint Action, Prof. David Hunter is joined by Prof. Flavia Cicuttini to unpack the results of a groundbreaking clinical trial that tested metformin as a new treatment for knee pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. Tune in to hear what the study found, h...

In this episode of Joint Action, Professor David Hunter is joined by Dr. Stephanie Mathies and Dr. Giovanni Ferreira to unpack the cost-effectiveness of osteoarthritis treatments. They discuss the results of their recent systematic review, which analysed over 100 studies to identify which guideline-recommended treatments provide the best value for money. From exercise and medications to injections...

In this week's episode of Joint Action, Professor David Hunter is joined by Dr Sarah Kobayashi, a lecturer in anatomy and osteoarthritis researcher, to talk about the power of walking - especially for people with osteoarthritis. Sarah shares her insights into the many health benefits of walking, why it’s so important for joint health, and how to overcome common barriers to getting started. She als...

Running often gets a bad rap when it comes to knee osteoarthritis - but is the fear justified? In this week's episode of Joint Action, Professor David Hunter speaks with physiotherapist and researcher Dr Jean-François Esculier to unpack common myths about running and joint health. They explore the latest evidence, share tips for safe running with OA, and discuss how to build joint resilience over...

High heels have long been associated with fashion - but what impact do they have on your joints? This week, Professor David Hunter is joined by physiotherapist and footwear researcher Dr. Kathryn Mills to unpack the biomechanics of high heels and their effect on knee health. From changes in posture and joint compression to the importance of shoe comfort and replacement, this episode blends science...

Can joint replacements reduce pain, help you move more - and live longer? In this week's podcast episode, we explore the untold benefits of hip and knee replacements beyond pain relief. Dr Tim Lindsay, clinician and researcher at Imperial College London, joins us to share insights from large-scale studies that show how joint replacement can restore physical activity levels and potentially reduce p...

In this episode of Joint Action, Professor David Hunter is joined by Dr. Bruno da Costa, Associate Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Toronto and Senior Scientist at the University of Oxford, to unpack the evidence behind injections for osteoarthritis. Dr. da Costa shares insights from his recent systematic review and network meta-analysis of clinical trials, revealing just ho...

For too long, people living with osteoarthritis have felt powerless - like there’s nothing they can do to influence change. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In this powerful episode, Prof. David Hunter is joined by Louise Hardy, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Arthritis Australia, to explore how individuals can use their voice to drive meaningful change - especially in the lead-up t...

MRIs are increasingly used to detect early signs of osteoarthritis - but are they truly beneficial for most people? On this week's episode, we examine the role of MRI scans in diagnosing knee osteoarthritis, particularly in its early stages. Joined by leading experts Dr. Alison Chang, a professor of Physical Therapy at Northwestern University, and Dr. Ali Guermazi, a Radiology professor at Boston...

What if you could know your risk of developing osteoarthritis years before symptoms appear? In this episode, we explore whether a blood test could provide those answers. Joining us on this week's episode is Dr. Virginia Kraus, a leading rheumatologist and researcher, to discuss her study that identified osteoarthritis risk up to 10 years in advance with 77% accuracy. We unpack what this means for...

Menopause is often referred to as "the change" and remains a complex and sensitive topic for many. Despite being historically under-discussed, it's crucial to address because of its profound impact on musculoskeletal health. Women are two to three times more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis, particularly around menopause. Changes in hormones, such as declining estrogen, can affect cartila...

In this special episode of Joint Action, host Professor David Hunter brings together the most valuable insights from over 100 episodes, creating a practical guide to understanding and managing osteoarthritis. By summarising years of expert advice, groundbreaking research, and real-world strategies, this episode makes it easy to access the latest information on osteoarthritis in one comprehensive d...

Join us for a unique and inspiring episode of the Joint Action podcast, where we step into a stylised clinical encounter between Professor Shannon Mihalko, acting as the clinician, and Tom Buttel, the patient. Together, they delve into the realities of living with osteoarthritis, sharing powerful insights into overcoming challenges, setting meaningful goals, and adopting holistic management strate...

Welcome to Season 6 of the Joint Action Podcast and the first episode of 2025! We're kicking off with a crucial topic in advancing osteoarthritis treatment: understanding clinical trials. Clinical trials are vital for developing new treatments for osteoarthritis, yet many people are mystified by the process. Why participate? What are the benefits? What are the risks? In this episode, we break it a...

In our final episode for 2024, we answer your burning questions about osteoarthritis! Host Professor David Hunter dives deep into a variety of listener-submitted topics, including: The evidence (or lack thereof) behind treatments like pentosan polysulfate and Epiitalis Whether weightlifting and high-impact activities increase the risk of osteoarthritis The role of genetics, injury, and lifestyle i...

This week on the Joint Action podcast, we’re joined by Professor Henning Bliddal, a leading researcher and Director at the Parker Institute in Denmark. Henning Bliddal has spent his career helping people with osteoarthritis live better lives. In this episode, we talk about a breakthrough study using a medication called Semaglutide. This drug, originally made to help with weight loss, has shown ama...

Ever wonder if the weather really impacts your joint pain? If you've ever felt like cold, damp days make your knees ache more, you're not alone - many people with osteoarthritis believe there's a strong link between weather and joint pain. But is there really a connection? In this episode of the Joint Action Podcast, we're joined by Professor Manuela Ferreira, a leading clinician scientist in musc...

This week, we dive into the pressing need to shift osteoarthritis management away from costly, invasive procedures like knee replacements toward more accessible, non-surgical treatments. Professor Ilana Ackerman from Monash University joins us to discuss why lifestyle changes - exercise, diet, and education - should be the first line of care, backed by compelling research that shows these approach...

In this week's episode of Joint Action, we explore how the built environment - where you live, work, and move - impacts your likelihood of staying physically active while living with osteoarthritis. Our guest, Dr. Sarah Gebauer, a family physician and translational epidemiologist, discusses the concept of "walkability" and how access to sidewalks, parks, and public spaces can influence your abilit...

In this week's episode of Joint Action, we dive deep into the question: why do women experience more osteoarthritis than men? Host Professor David Hunter is joined by experts Assistant Professor Tristan Maerz and Assistant Professor Dieuwke Schiphof to explore the biological and gender-based differences that contribute to osteoarthritis prevalence, symptoms, and treatment disparities. They discuss...

The Osteoarthritis Prevention Study run by University of Sydney researchers is currently recruiting woman aged 50 years or older with a BMI of 30 or more. The study is perfect for women who would like to take control of their health and participate in diet and exercise classes or health education classes in a safe and supportive environment. To learn more, visit: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/...

In this week's episode, we explore the quest for a therapy that not only alleviates symptoms of osteoarthritis but also addresses the underlying disease process. Host Professor David Hunter is joined by Chris Knight and Dr Sandeep Basnet from Formation Bio to discuss the complexities and breakthroughs in developing disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs). They dive into the challenges of c...

This week on Joint Action, we explore the potential of natural ingredients in relieving knee osteoarthritis pain. We start with a short introduction to the ATLAS study , a clinical trial by Professor David Hunter and a team of researchers at The University of Sydney. The ATLAS study is testing a groundbreaking supplement combining curcumin, boswellia serrata extract, and more. Can this blend offer...

In this episode of the Joint Action podcast, we explore how injuries to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in the knee can lead to osteoarthritis, especially in young people aged 15-25. Did you know that up to 20% of people who develop knee osteoarthritis do so because of a past injury? ACL injuries are a major culprit, and their impact can be life-changing. We chat with Dr Andrew Ross, a physio...