Joint Action

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 how limited - and at times unreliable - the evidence is for many joint injection therapies.This episode explores:Which injections (if any) offer real benefit - and for how longThe surprising extent of bias in osteoarthritis trialsWhy some results may not be as credible as they seemThe role of placebo effects and commercial influenceWhat this means for people living with osteoarthritisIf you’ve ever considered injection therapy, this episode will help you sort fact from fiction.RESOURCESS04E10 - Care for an oil change? The role of viscosupplementation for osteoarthritis wit Dr Bruno da Costa: https://www.jointaction.info/podcast/episode/6cda642b/care-for-an-oil-change-the-role-of-viscosupplementation-for-osteoarthritis-with-dr-bruno-da-costaInfographic - How effective are intra-articular interventions for osteoarthritis?: https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/s/0225-Clinical-Editors-Choice.pngArticle - Effectiveness and safety of intra-articular interventions for knee and hip osteoarthritis based on large randomized trials: A systematic review and network meta-analysis: https://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584(24)01389-X/fulltextCONNECT WITH USTwitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorgInstagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroupEmail: osteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.auWebsite: www.jointaction.info/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 to the Australian federal election.Louise shares practical ways you can support better care, fairer funding, and more accessible services for the 7 million Australians living with arthritis. They discuss the importance of community-led advocacy, out-of-pocket costs, gaps in clinical care, and how you can be part of the solution, today.Whether you live in Australia or abroad, this episode offers a roadmap for how your voice can make a difference - starting now. RESOURCESTake action by emailing your local MP via the Arthritis Australia microsite: https://arthritisaus.good.do/election25/Act-Now-25/Join the Arthritis Australia Champions program: https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/get-involved/arthritis-champions/Learn more about Arthritis Australia initiatives: https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/ CONNECT WITH USTwitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorgInstagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroupEmail: osteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.auWebsite: www.jointaction.info/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 University, we explore the genuine value of MRIs. Our discussion highlights when these imaging tests can be helpful and when they might lead to unnecessary interventions. We also discuss why many MRI-detected changes don't actually progress into osteoarthritis and share practical advice for effectively managing knee health. Tune in for an evidence-based conversation to understand when MRIs truly add value - and when they may not. RESOURCESLearn more about the frequency of MRI-detected structural abnormalities in healthy, pain-free individuals: https://x.com/OACJournal/status/1843050098579943647View the diagram illustrating Alison Chang’s 'inverted-U curve' concept of how activity levels relate to body capacity: Capacity vs. Load graphs_Dr Alison Chang.pdfCONNECT WITH USTwitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorgInstagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroupEmail: osteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.auWebsite: www.jointaction.info/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Virginia Kraus, a distinguished rheumatologist with over three decades of expertise in osteoarthritis research, joins the conversation to discuss groundbreaking blood tests that can predict osteoarthritis risk up to a decade in advance with 77% accuracy. She shares insights on the pivotal role of inflammation in the disease's progression and how early detection could revolutionize treatment strategies. The discussion also touches on the future of osteoarthritis diagnostics, emphasizing proactive health measures and ongoing research for better patient outcomes.

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 cartilage, bone density, inflammation, muscle health, and body weight - factors closely linked to joint pain and osteoarthritis symptoms. In this episode of the Joint Action Podcast, Dr. Ginny Mansberg, a GP and women's health expert, joins Prof. David Hunter to explore the intricate relationship between menopause and osteoarthritis. They discuss the physical and emotional challenges women face, including sleep disruption, weight gain, joint pain, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Dr. Mansberg shares valuable insights into how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and lifestyle strategies, including exercise, can help manage symptoms and improve long-term health outcomes.Whether you're navigating menopause or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a compassionate, evidence-informed perspective on understanding and managing the journey.RESOURCESDr. Ginny Mansberg’s website: DrGini.com.auDr. Ginny Mansberg's book - The M Word: How to Thrive in Menopause: https://drginni.com.au/products/the-m-word-how-to-thrive-in-menopauseCONNECT WITH USTwitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorgInstagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroupEmail: osteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.auWebsite: www.jointaction.info/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the essentials of osteoarthritis management, where listeners learn about causes, symptoms, and proactive strategies. Discover how lifestyle changes like exercise and diet can significantly alleviate symptoms. Explore a variety of treatment options, from dietary supplements to surgical choices, highlighting the need for personalized approaches. This insightful discussion distills over 100 episodes into key lessons and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone affected by the condition.

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 strategies.From the importance of building a strong relationship with your healthcare team to Tom's personal tips for staying active, managing pain, and fostering self-compassion, this episode is packed with practical advice and relatable moments. Whether you're looking to better manage your joint health or simply find inspiration in someone else's journey, this conversation is not to be missed. Tune in and discover how small, sustainable changes can lead to lasting health benefits.RESOURCESThe Osteoarthritis Prevention Study (TOPS study): www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/tops-study-overviewCONNECT WITH USTwitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorgInstagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroupEmail: osteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.auWebsite: www.jointaction.info/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 all down with Dr. Karen Bracken, Clinical Trial Program Lead at the Kolling Institute, University of Sydney. With over 20 years of experience managing clinical trials, Karen provides an insider’s perspective on the motivations, processes, and considerations involved in clinical research. Join us as we explore:The potential benefits of participating in clinical trials, such as access to new treatments and contributing to science.Key considerations, including time commitments and informed consent.How clinical trials are designed to prioritise participant safety and generate reliable evidence.Misconceptions about clinical trials and how they differ from reality. We also discuss exciting ongoing trials, including the ATLAS study for knee osteoarthritis, the TOPS osteoarthritis prevention study, and the MARVEL study exploring the impact of pentosan polysulfate sodium on knee pain.Whether you're curious about clinical trials or considering participating in one, this episode offers valuable insights to guide your journey.RESOURCES To learn more about osteoarthritis clinical trials, visit our website: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au To learn more about the Osteoarthritis Research Participant Network or to join, click here: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/oa-participant-network Current osteoarthritis studies:The ATLAS study: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/atlas-study-overviewTOPS study: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/tops-study-overviewThe MaRVeL study: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/marvel-study-overview Previous podcast episodesS05E05 - Core outcome sets for osteoarthritis trials with Prof. Toby Smith WebsitesOMERACT - Outcome Measures in Rheumatology: www.omeract.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 EpiitalisWhether weightlifting and high-impact activities increase the risk of osteoarthritisThe role of genetics, injury, and lifestyle in joint healthCrepitus: what those joint sounds really meanProgression of osteoarthritis and the factors that influence itAnd the big question: Will osteoarthritis ever be curable?With engaging insights, evidence-based answers, and a personal touch, this Q&A episode wraps up the year with invaluable guidance for managing joint health.Thank you for being part of the Joint Action community. We look forward to continuing to bring you the latest in osteoarthritis research and care in 2025.RESOURCESPodcast episodesS03E16 - Does running cause knee osteoarthritis with Dr Christian BartonS05E05 - Core outcome sets for osteoarthritis trials with Prof. Toby SmithArticlesRunning does not increase symptoms or structural progression in people with knee osteoarthritis: data from the osteoarthritis initiative by Dr Grace Lowe et al.WebsitesOMERACT: Outcome Measures in RheumatologyThe Osteoarthritis Prevention StudyCONNECT WITH USTwitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorgInstagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroupEmail: osteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.auWebsite: www.jointaction.info/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this discussion, Professor Henning Bliddal, a renowned researcher in osteoarthritis treatment from Denmark, shares groundbreaking insights on Semaglutide. Originally aimed at weight loss, this drug has shown remarkable ability to alleviate knee pain for osteoarthritis sufferers. Henning reveals how weight loss reduces joint pressure, leading to improved mobility. He discusses the impressive results from clinical trials, practical tips for staying active, and ongoing research needed to ensure long-term benefits for patients.