Joint Action

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

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!RESOURCESHave a question about osteoarthritis that you'd like answered? Send your question to osteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.au by 16th December 2024 for a chance to have it featured in the final episode for 2024.ArticlesNo, 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 studiesCONNECT WITH USTwitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorgInstagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroupEmail: osteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.auWebsite: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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.RESOURCESPrevious episodesThe volume of joint replacement surgeries for osteoarthritis is not sustainable with Prof Ilana Ackerman, Season 3, Episode 13Journal articlesLifetime 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 USTwitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorgInstagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroupEmail: hello@jointaction.infoWebsite: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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 ability to engage in physical activity. We also dive into the broader social determinants of health, including economic stability, social support networks, and neighborhood characteristics, and how these factors contribute to health disparities. Join us as we uncover how small changes in your environment can lead to significant improvements in managing osteoarthritis and enhancing overall well-being. RESOURCES Journal articlesNeighborhood Characteristics & Walking Behavior Among Adults with Arthritis: An NHIS Study - Pocha - Arthritis Care & Research - Wiley Online Library CONNECT WITH USTwitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorgInstagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroupEmail: hello@jointaction.infoWebsite: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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 complex interplay between hormones, joint structure, body composition, and pain perception. With insights from preclinical research, they reveal how the field is evolving to better understand these sex and gender differences, and what this could mean for future treatments.Tune in to discover why these gaps in knowledge are crucial to closing the gender gap in osteoarthritis care, and how staying active plays a key role for everyone living with the condition.RESOURCESJournal articlesFrom cartilage to culture: Opportunities for unraveling the complexities of osteoarthritis through sex and genderCONNECT WITH USTwitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorgEmail: hello@jointaction.infoWebsite: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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/tops-study-overviewIn this week's episode, we replay a popular episode recorded with Prof David Hunter and Dr Mariana Wingood in 2022. Staying physically active is not only important for people with osteoarthritis, but all adults. Participating in physical activity can help improve mobility, physical conditioning and reduce the risk of falls. However, despite the numerous health benefits of staying physically active, many older adults do not meet the recommended guidelines. We know it is often hard staying active so wanted to unpack that and give some tips and tricks for staying active. In this week’s episode of Joint Action, we are joined by Mariana Wingood to discuss how we can increase our levels of physical activity. RESOURCES The Osteoarthritis Prevention Study (TOPS)Journal articlesPhysical Activity and Physical Activity Participation Barriers Among Adults 50 years and Older During the COVID-19 PandemicThe Inventory of Physical Activity Barriers for Adults 50 Years and Older: Refinement and Validation Community-Dwelling Older Adults and Physical Activity Recommendations: Patterns of Aerobic, Strengthening, and Balance Activities Feet/Footwear-Related Fall Risk Screening Tool for Older Adults: Development and Content Validation APTA Geriatrics’ Guiding Principles for Best Practices in Geriatric Physical Therapy: An Executive Summary Pain Neuroscience Education for Older Adults WebsitesGo4LifeVivifrailNational Council on AgingCONNECT WITH MARIANATwitter @elevatingEBPCONNECT WITH USTwitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorgEmail: hello@jointaction.infoWebsite: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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 clinical trials, the high stakes of drug development, and the promising future of AI in revolutionising this field. Tune in to learn how close we are to seeing these game-changing therapies become a reality and what it could mean for millions living with osteoarthritis. RESOURCES Formation Bio: https://www.formation.bio/ CONNECT WITH USTwitter/X: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorgInstagram: @ProfDavidHunterEmail: hello@jointaction.info

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 pain relief for people with knee osteoarthritis? To learn more or be part of the study, visit: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/atlas-study-overviewTo help unravel the complexities of supplements and complementary medicines for osteoarthritis, we welcome Dr. Joanna Harnett, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney's School of Pharmacy. Dr. Harnett discusses the most commonly used supplements for osteoarthritis, the evidence supporting their use, and important safety considerations. She also provides practical advice on selecting the right complementary medicine and emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare providers.Whether you're curious about natural supplements or looking for guidance on managing osteoarthritis, this episode offers valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. RESOURCESATLAS study: www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/atlas-study-overview Journal articlesWhich supplements can I recommend to my osteoarthritis patients?Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysisManaging Dietary Supplements and Complementary Medicines in Osteoarthritis CONNECT WITH USTwitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorgEmail: hello@jointaction.infoWebsite: www.jointaction.info/podcast