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: osteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.au
• 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: osteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.au
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podca

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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: osteoarthritis.research@sydney.edu.au
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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