Joint Action
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Joint Action is a podcast hosted by David Hunter. As a consequence of isolation, those living with osteoarthritis related disability may become less fit, more depressed and anxious, more socially isolated and gain weight. It is critical at times like this that people with osteoarthritis have their burden and disability minimised and their knowledge of how to manage the disease enhanced. Join David as he interviews the world's leading experts in osteoarthritis. Professor David Hunter is a rheumatology clinician researcher whose main research focus has been clinical and translational research in osteoarthritis. He is the Florance and Cope Chair of Rheumatology and Professor of Medicine at University of Sydney and the Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia. He is ranked as the worlds leading expert in osteoarthritis on Expertscape.com since 2014. You can send in your questions to <a href="mailto:hello@jointaction.info"
Episodes
- Do you really need surgery for your knee osteoarthritis? with Dr Howard Luks (2021)
On the Joint Action podcast, Dr. Howard Luks discusses the rising number of surgical procedures for knee osteoarthritis. He differentiates between necessary surgeries for end-stage conditions and unnecessary procedures, exploring contribut…
- Finding Responders: The Next Phase of OA Biomarkers with Dr Virginia Kraus, Dr Peter Mesenbrink, and Dr Jamie Collins
This episode of Joint Action discusses the FNIH Biomarkers Consortium's progress in developing biomarkers for osteoarthritis drug trials. Guests Dr. Virginia Kraus, Dr. Peter Mesenbrink, and Dr. Jamie Collins explore how identifying specif…
- Defining the early-stage OA patient: the EsSKOA initiative with Dr Armaghan Mahmoudian
This episode of Joint Action discusses the definition of early-stage osteoarthritis and the significance of the EsSKOA initiative in identifying and understanding the condition. Dr. Armaghan Mahmoudian shares insights into her research on…
- The evidence behind knee bracing with Dr Melanie Holden
Professor Melanie Holden discusses the evidence behind knee bracing for osteoarthritis, explaining how braces can improve pain and function. Her research at Keele University focuses on non-drug, non-surgical rehabilitation treatments for m…
- Counting the cost: osteoarthritis and workforce productivity with Dr Jason Jin and Prof Ilana Ackerman
This episode of Joint Action discusses how knee osteoarthritis affects workforce participation and overall wellbeing. Guests Dr Jason Jin and Professor Ilana Ackerman, experts in musculoskeletal health and epidemiology, explore the link be…
- The sleep-pain connection with A/Prof Michelle Hall
A/Prof Michelle Hall joins Joint Action to discuss the connection between poor sleep and increased pain. The episode explores this cycle and provides practical strategies for improving both sleep and pain management.
- Osteoarthritis research advances in 2025 with David Hunter and Anne-Marie Malfait
David Hunter and Anne-Marie Malfait, co-editors-in-chief of the Osteoarthritis and Cartilage journal, discuss advances in osteoarthritis research from 2025. Anne-Marie Malfait is a Professor of Medicine at Rush University.
- Tai Chi for the knees with Dr Julia Zhu
On the Joint Action podcast, Julia Zhu, a physiotherapist and PhD student, discusses the evidence and benefits of Tai Chi for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The episode references Zhu's PhD research on an online Tai Chi intervention…
- Is exercise worth the effort for osteoarthritis? with Prof Kim Bennell and Prof Marius Henriksen
Prof Kim Bennell and Prof Marius Henriksen engage in a debate on exercise for osteoarthritis, discussing research and care within the field.
- Reframing pain for osteoarthritis with A/Prof Tasha Stanton (2022)
This episode discusses reframing pain associated with osteoarthritis, exploring how pain is not solely a marker of tissue damage but involves nervous system adaptations. It also covers educational programs designed to address unhelpful bel…
- Your osteoarthritis questions answered by David (Part 2)
Vicky interviews David, answering listener questions about osteoarthritis in the second part of this episode of Joint Action. This episode's information is indexed from public RSS feeds.
- Your osteoarthritis questions answered by David (Part 1)
Vicky interviews David on the Joint Action podcast, answering listener questions about osteoarthritis, including some personal ones. This episode focuses on providing information about osteoarthritis.
- Robyn's experience living with hip osteoarthritis
Robyn Pulman, a public speaking coach, joins Joint Action to discuss her experience with hip osteoarthritis and her journey through a recent left anterior hip replacement.
- Designing cities that benefit public health and climate change with Professor Adam Millard-Ball
Professor Adam Millard-Ball discusses the role of urban planning in addressing climate change and public health. The episode explores how active transport systems and redesigned streets can reduce emissions and improve physical and mental…
- Cycling and hip osteoarthritis: Evidence and insights with Professor Tom Wainwright
Professor Tom Wainwright joins the podcast to discuss how cycling can help manage hip osteoarthritis. The discussion includes findings from his randomized controlled trial that compared a cycling and educational intervention with usual phy…
- World Arthritis Day 2025
This episode of Joint Action, in observance of World Arthritis Day, addresses osteoarthritis, noting that 1 in 8 Australians live with the condition. It features discussions on common misconceptions, the role of physical activity, behaviou…
- Can knee realignment slow down osteoarthritis? A discussion with Dr Trevor Birmingham and Dr David Parker
This episode of Joint Action features Dr Trevor Birmingham and Dr David Parker discussing high tibial osteotomy (HTO). HTO is a limb realignment surgery for medial compartment osteoarthritis in younger, active individuals, aiming to shift…
- In Memoriam: Prof Frank Beier - new insights into osteoarthritis onset (2021)
This episode honors Prof Frank Beier by revisiting his 2021 insights into osteoarthritis, focusing on novel targets and epigenetics. It highlights the complexity of the disease, the interplay of joint tissues, and the role of skeletal deve…
- Food for thought – the link between UPFs and knee osteoarthritis with Dr Gabby Joseph
Dr. Gabby Joseph shares her research linking ultra-processed food consumption to knee osteoarthritis. Her findings indicate a connection between poor diet quality and increased knee pain, reduced physical function, and thinner knee cartila…
- From court to classroom: Dr John Drazan’s game plan for STEM education
Dr. John Drazan, an Assistant Professor of biomedical engineering and former collegiate basketball player, joins Joint Action to discuss his work using basketball to engage students in STEM education through clinics across the USA.
- Common misconceptions and beliefs about osteoarthritis - improving osteoarthritis knowledge with A/Prof Ben Darlow (2024)
In this episode of Joint Action, A/Prof Ben Darlow explores how common beliefs about osteoarthritis, such as "wear and tear," can negatively impact patient activity and treatment decisions, emphasizing the role of language and understandin…
- Is Methotrexate ready for clinical use? A discussion with Professor Robin Christensen and Dr Anna Dossing
The Joint Action podcast features Professor David Hunter, Dr. Anna Døssing, and Professor Robin Christensen discussing methotrexate as a potential treatment for osteoarthritis. The conversation covers how the drug works, insights from a me…
- Can a diabetes pill help with knee pain? A discussion with Professor Flavia Cicuttini
This episode of Joint Action features Prof. David Hunter and Prof. Flavia Cicuttini discussing a clinical trial testing metformin for knee osteoarthritis pain. They review the study's findings, how the drug functions, potential beneficiari…
- Is osteoarthritis treatment worth the cost? With Dr Stephanie Mathieson and Dr Giovanni Ferreira
In this episode of Joint Action, Professor David Hunter, Dr. Stephanie Mathies, and Dr. Giovanni Ferreira discuss the cost-effectiveness of osteoarthritis treatments based on a systematic review of over 100 studies. They explore interventi…
- Walking for joint health with Dr Sarah Kobayashi
Dr. Sarah Kobayashi joins Professor David Hunter on Joint Action to discuss the importance of walking for joint health, particularly for individuals with osteoarthritis. The episode covers the benefits of walking, strategies to overcome ba…
- Rethinking running and knee health with Dr Jean-Francois Esculier
This episode of Joint Action features Professor David Hunter and Dr. Jean-François Esculier discussing the relationship between running and knee osteoarthritis. They examine current research, address common misconceptions, and provide guid…
- High heels, high risk? Investigating the impact of footwear on knees with Dr Kathryn Mills
Professor David Hunter and Dr. Kathryn Mills discuss the biomechanics of high heels and their impact on knee health, covering posture, joint compression, and practical advice for managing knee pain and osteoarthritis.
- New Joints, New Moves: How Joint Replacements Impact Physical Activity Levels with Dr Tim Lindsay
Dr Tim Lindsay discusses how hip and knee replacements can restore physical activity levels and potentially reduce premature mortality, based on large-scale studies. The episode also covers recovery timelines, managing patient expectations…
- The risk of bias in trial design and what this means for clinical practice with Dr Bruno da Costa
On Joint Action, Dr. Bruno da Costa and Professor David Hunter examine the evidence for osteoarthritis injection therapies, highlighting bias and unreliability in clinical trials. They discuss the impact of these findings on patient care a…
- Driving change in osteoarthritis - strategies, barriers and consumer power with Louise Hardy
Louise Hardy, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Arthritis Australia, joins Prof. David Hunter on Joint Action to discuss how individuals can advocate for change in osteoarthritis care. They cover community-led advocacy, costs, clinical ca…
- Can MRI predict the development of osteoarthritis with Dr Ali Guermazi and Dr Alison Chang
This episode of Joint Action features Dr. Ali Guermazi and Dr. Alison Chang discussing the utility of MRIs in detecting early osteoarthritis. They explore when MRI scans are beneficial, why detected changes may not progress, and how to man…
- Can a blood test predict the risk of osteoarthritis? A discussion with Dr Virginia Kraus
Dr. Virginia Kraus discusses her study on a blood test that can identify osteoarthritis risk up to 10 years before symptoms appear, with 77% accuracy. The episode covers early detection, inflammation's role, and potential future treatment…
- Hormones, menopause, and joint pain with Dr Ginni Mansberg
On the Joint Action Podcast, Dr. Ginni Mansberg and Prof. David Hunter discuss the impact of menopause on musculoskeletal health. They explore how hormonal changes affect joint pain and osteoarthritis, and Dr. Mansberg shares insights on m…
- Key lessons from 100 episodes of the Joint Action podcast
This Joint Action podcast episode distills over 100 episodes into a guide on osteoarthritis management. It covers causes, effects of exercise and diet, therapies, surgical options, and holistic strategies, offering evidence-based insights…
- Bridging expertise and experience: a conversation on managing osteoarthritis
In this episode of Joint Action, Professor Shannon Mihalko and patient Tom Buttel discuss managing osteoarthritis. They share insights on overcoming challenges, setting goals, holistic management, and practical tips for staying active and…
- The key to better osteoarthritis treatments: clinical trials explained with Dr Karen Bracken
This episode of the Joint Action Podcast explains clinical trials for osteoarthritis treatment with Dr. Karen Bracken. It covers the benefits, risks, and safety of participation, misconceptions, and details ongoing studies like ATLAS, TOPS…
- Your osteoarthritis questions answered by Prof. David Hunter
In this Q&A episode of Joint Action, Professor David Hunter answers listener questions about osteoarthritis, discussing treatments, risk factors like weightlifting and genetics, the meaning of crepitus, disease progression, and curability.
- Can weight loss shots reduce knee pain? Exploring Semaglutide's impact on osteoarthritis with Prof. Henning Bliddal
Professor Henning Bliddal joins the Joint Action podcast to discuss a study on Semaglutide, a weight loss medication, and its effects on knee osteoarthritis pain and movement. The episode covers how the drug works, study findings on pain a…
- The surprising link between weather and joint pain: fact or fiction? With Prof. Manuela Ferreira
Joint Action Podcast discusses the potential link between weather conditions and joint pain, featuring Professor Manuela Ferreira. The episode investigates the scientific basis for this perceived connection and provides guidance on managin…
- What can be done to avoid knee replacements? With Prof Ilana Ackerman
Professor Ilana Ackerman discusses the need to prioritize non-surgical treatments such as exercise, diet, and education for osteoarthritis, as evidence shows these can delay or prevent knee replacements. The episode highlights the potentia…
- Shaping movement: How the built environment impacts physical activity in people with osteoarthritis
Dr. Sarah Gebauer joins Joint Action to discuss how the built environment impacts physical activity for people with osteoarthritis. The episode covers walkability, access to public spaces, and social determinants of health, such as economi…
- Does sex matter? Unpacking the role of biological differences in osteoarthritis
This episode of Joint Action investigates the higher prevalence of osteoarthritis in women compared to men. Host Professor David Hunter and experts Assistant Professor Tristan Maerz and Assistant Professor Dieuwke Schiphof examine biologic…
- Tips and tricks for increasing physical activity with Dr Mariana Wingood (2022)
This episode of Joint Action features a replay of a 2022 discussion with Dr. Mariana Wingood and Prof. David Hunter, offering tips and tricks for increasing physical activity. The discussion highlights the importance of physical activity f…
- The journey of a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug: From research to reality
This episode of Joint Action discusses the development of disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) with Professor David Hunter, Chris Knight, and Dr. Sandeep Basnet. They cover challenges in clinical trials, drug development, and th…
- How to choose a complementary medicine for your osteoarthritis with Dr Joanna Harnett
Dr. Joanna Harnett joins Joint Action to discuss complementary medicines for osteoarthritis, including the ATLAS study testing a curcumin and boswellia supplement. She covers common supplements, supporting evidence, safety, and how to choo…
- Is knee injury prevention worth it? with Dr Andrew Ross and Associate Prof Chris Schilling
This episode of Joint Action discusses how ACL injuries in young people aged 15-25 can lead to knee osteoarthritis, with up to 20% of cases stemming from past injuries. Dr Andrew Ross and Associate Professor Chris Schilling examine injury…
- Why is finding effective pain relief for osteoarthritis so challenging?
Drs Stefan Ivanavicius and Sarah Kennedy explore the complexities of osteoarthritis pain management, discussing biological, psychological, and social factors. The episode also covers the lengthy and expensive drug development process for p…
- Not just for seniors: The hidden struggle of younger adults with osteoarthritis with Associate Prof Anthony Perruccio
Associate Professor Anthony Perruccio examines the challenges of osteoarthritis in younger adults, including risk factors like genetics and injury, delayed diagnosis, and the significant effects on physical, mental, and overall health.
- How knee pain from osteoarthritis changes the way you walk with Dr. Kathryn Bacon and Associate Professor Deepak Kumar
Dr. Kathryn Bacon and Associate Professor Deepak Kumar explore how knee osteoarthritis influences walking patterns, detailing slower speeds, reduced step frequency, and altered knee pressure. Their research, involving 2,500 participants an…
- New insights into osteoarthritis pain with Prof Nidhi Sofat
Professor Nidhi Sofat joins Joint Action to discuss the sources of osteoarthritis pain, including cartilage damage, synovitis, and bone marrow lesions. The conversation covers nerve and blood vessel roles, bone and synovium significance, g…