Joint Action

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.

RESOURCES

• Learn more about the frequency of MRI-detected structural abnormalities in healthy, pain-free individuals: https://x.com/OACJournal/status/1843050098579943647
• View 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.pdf

CONNECT WITH US

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

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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 early detection, the role of inflammation in disease progression, and how this research could shape future treatment and prevention strategies.

Tune in to find out what the future of osteoarthritis detection could look like.

RESOURCES

• The MOST Study: www.bumc.bu.edu/rheumatology/research/clinical-trials/the-multicenter-osteoarthritis-study-most/
• CANTOS Trial: www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1707914

CONNECT WITH US

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

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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.

RESOURCES

• Dr. Ginny Mansberg’s website: DrGini.com.au
• Dr. Ginny Mansberg's book - The M Word: How to Thrive in Menopause: https://drginni.com.au/products/the-m-word-how-to-thrive-in-menopause

CONNECT WITH US

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

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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 discussion.

Key topics include:

• What osteoarthritis is, what causes it, and who it affects
• The role of exercise in reducing pain and improving mobility
• How diet impacts joint health, inflammation, and overall well-being
• Evidence on supplements, medications, and emerging therapies
• When surgery is appropriate and what options are available
• Holistic approaches to address both physical and emotional challenges

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, managing osteoarthritis for years, or looking to prevent it, this episode provides essential, evidence-based insights to improve your quality of life.

RESOURCES

The ATLAS Study: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/atlas-study-overview

CONNECT WITH US

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

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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.

RESOURCES

• The Osteoarthritis Prevention Study (TOPS study): www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/tops-study-overview

CONNECT WITH US

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

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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-overview
• TOPS study: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/tops-study-overview
• The MaRVeL study: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/marvel-study-overview

Previous podcast episodes

• S05E05 - Core outcome sets for osteoarthritis trials with Prof. Toby Smith

Websites

• OMERACT - Outcome Measures in Rheumatology: www.omeract.org

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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 in joint health
• Crepitus: what those joint sounds really mean
• Progression of osteoarthritis and the factors that influence it
• And 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.

RESOURCES

Podcast episodes

• S03E16 - Does running cause knee osteoarthritis with Dr Christian Barton
• S05E05 - Core outcome sets for osteoarthritis trials with Prof. Toby Smith

Articles

• Running does not increase symptoms or structural progression in people with knee osteoarthritis: data from the osteoarthritis initiative by Dr Grace Lowe et al.

Websites

• OMERACT: Outcome Measures in Rheumatology
• The Osteoarthritis Prevention Study

CONNECT WITH US

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

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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 amazing results in easing pain and improving movement for people with knee osteoarthritis. Henning explains how weight loss can take the pressure off your joints and why this is so important for managing knee osteoarthritis.

We cover:

• How Semaglutide works and why it helps with knee pain.
• The impressive results of the study, including big improvements in pain and function.
• Practical tips for staying active and managing weight to reduce joint stress.
• What we still need to learn about maintaining long-term benefits.

If you’re curious about the latest in osteoarthritis research and want practical tips for managing symptoms, join us on this week's episode.

RESOURCES

Have a question about osteoarthritis that you'd like answered? Send your question to [email protected] by 16th December 2024 for a chance to have it featured in the final episode for 2024.

Articles

• Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Persons with Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis 

CONNECT WITH US

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

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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 musculoskeletal health, to dig into this fascinating topic. We explore whether there's any scientific basis for the weather-pain connection, and why you might feel more joint symptoms during certain weather conditions. Professor Ferreira shares insights from her research and provides practical advice on managing joint pain - whether it's a hot, humid day or a freezing winter morning.

Join us as we disentangle the myths from the facts and provide clarity on what you can do to manage your symptoms better. Tune in to find out if the weather really is to blame for your aching joints!

RESOURCES

Have a question about osteoarthritis that you'd like answered? Send your question to [email protected] by 16th December 2024 for a chance to have it featured in the final episode for 2024.

Articles

• No, your aches and pains don’t get worse in the cold. So why do we think they do?
• Come rain or shine: Is weather a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis of case-crossover studies

CONNECT WITH US

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

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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 approaches can delay or even avoid the need for surgery. Yet, despite the evidence, reimbursement for these programs remains limited, and many patients end up with surgeries they might not truly need.

We explore the financial and health system benefits of funding non-surgical programs, which could save the Australian healthcare system hundreds of millions of dollars annually. This episode is a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and anyone impacted by osteoarthritis to advocate for better access to preventive care.

Tune in to learn how empowering patients with non-surgical options can lead to better outcomes, substantial cost savings, and a more personalised path for managing osteoarthritis.

RESOURCES

Previous episodes

• The volume of joint replacement surgeries for osteoarthritis is not sustainable with Prof Ilana Ackerman, Season 3, Episode 13

Journal articles

• Lifetime Cost-Effectiveness of Structured Education and Exercise Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis in Australia 
• Implementing a national first-line management program for moderate-severe knee osteoarthritis in Australia: A budget impact analysis focusing on knee replacement avoidance 

CONNECT WITH US

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

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