Joint Action

Did you know your beliefs about osteoarthritis could be making your symptoms worse? In this re-aired episode from Season 5, Episode 1 of Joint Action, physiotherapist and health communication expert Dr Ben Darlow joins us to explore how common misconceptions - like “wear and tear” or “bone on bone” - can limit your activity and shape your treatment choices. We discuss the power of language, the importance of hope, and how better understanding can help you take control of your health.

Whether you're living with osteoarthritis, supporting someone who is, or working in healthcare, this conversation is a must-listen.

RESOURCES

• Living with osteoarthritis is a balancing act: an exploration of patients' beliefs about knee pain
• The osteoarthritis knowledge scale

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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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-analysis on its effectiveness and safety
• Why individual studies show mixed results
• Whether it might help people with hand or knee OA - especially those with signs of inflammation
• How dosing and side effects factor into clinical decision-making

Tune in for an honest, data-driven conversation about repurposing an old drug for a new purpose - and what it could mean for people living with osteoarthritis.

RESOURCES

• Editorial: Methotrexate for osteoarthritis—Ready for clinical use and in whom?: https://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584(25)00973-2/abstract?

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroup
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.jointaction.info/podcast

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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, how the drug works, who might benefit, and what this could mean for delaying joint replacement.

RESOURCES

• Article: Metformin for Knee Osteoarthritis in Patients With Overweight or Obesity: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2833338

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroup
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.jointaction.info/podcast

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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 and surgery, they explore which interventions are truly cost-effective - and which may not be worth the spend. Learn why “simple things” like exercise and education still offer the most value, and what this means for patients, clinicians, and healthcare policy.

RESOURCES

Article:

• The cost-effectiveness of guideline-recommended treatments for osteoarthritis: A systematic review: https://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584(25)00972-0/abstract

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroup
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.jointaction.info/podcast

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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 also introduces the CASCADE-OA study (Community bAsed phySical aCtivity AnD sElf-management for OsteoArthritis), a 12-month clinical trial exploring the effectiveness of a self-directed walking program, Walk With Ease Australia, in improving physical activity levels and managing symptoms for those with hip or knee osteoarthritis.

Whether you're new to walking or looking to establish a sustainable routine, this episode offers practical advice and motivation to help you take that first step.

RESOURCES

Learn more about the CASCADE-OA study and check your eligibility:

• CASCADE-OA Study Overview: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/cascadeoa-study-overview

Ask your local arthritis organisation about Walk With Ease or the CASCADE-OA study:

• Arthritis Australia – www.arthritisaustralia.com.au/state-offices/

Additional resources:

• Versus Arthritis Walking Guide (UK): www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises/walking
• Heart Foundation Walking Groups (Australia) – walking.heartfoundation.org.au
• Parkrun Australia: www.parkrun.com.au

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroup
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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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 time.

Tune in to learn why running might not just be safe - it could even be helpful.

RESOURCES

• Education resource on running and joint health, in 7 languages: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/82767

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroup
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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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 with practical advice for anyone managing knee pain or osteoarthritis. Plus, learn what to look for in a good shoe and when to seek professional help from a podiatrist or physiotherapist.

RESOURCES

• Human Movement Montreal Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/humanmovementmontreal/
• Australian Podiatry Association: https://www.podiatry.org.au/foot-health-resources/footwear-advice
• Australian Podiatry Association Fact Sheets: https://www.podiatry.org.au/foot-health-resources/footwear-health-check/footwear-health-check
• Australian Podiatry Association Fact Sheets: https://www.podiatry.org.au/foot-health-resources/incorrectly-fitted-shoes/incorrectly-fitted-shoes

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroup
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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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 premature mortality. We also discuss why recovery takes time, how expectations should be managed, and what patients can realistically achieve after surgery. If you're considering joint replacement or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers evidence-based clarity and hope.

RESOURCES

ARTICLES

• Device-Measured Physical Activity in 3506 Individuals with Knee or Hip Arthroplasty: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38109175
• Wearable device measured physical activity and future health risk: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-1012-3

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroup
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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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 long
• The surprising extent of bias in osteoarthritis trials
• Why some results may not be as credible as they seem
• The role of placebo effects and commercial influence
• What this means for people living with osteoarthritis

If you’ve ever considered injection therapy, this episode will help you sort fact from fiction.

RESOURCES

• S04E10 - 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-costa
• Infographic - How effective are intra-articular interventions for osteoarthritis?: https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/s/0225-Clinical-Editors-Choice.png
• Article - 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/fulltext

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroup
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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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.

RESOURCES

• Take 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 US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroup
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.