Dribbling into discovery - on this episode of Joint Action, we are joined by Dr John Drazan to learn more about how he is using basketball to inspire the next generation of scientists. Dr John Drazan is an Assistant Professor of biomedical engineering at Fairfield University where he studies the relationship between muscle structure and function to understand how muscles remodel in response to aging, injury, or training.

He is an award-winning STEM educator and former collegiate basketball player who runs STEM focused clinics to encourage student interest in maths, science, technology and engineering. His innovative programs have reached over 25,000 students across the USA.

CONNECT WITH US

• Twitter: @ProfDavidHunter @jointactionorg
• Instagram: @osteoarthritisresearchgroup
• Email: hello@jointaction.info
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

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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: hello@jointaction.info
• Website: www.jointaction.info/podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to learn more about osteoarthritis from the world's leading experts! And please let us know what you thought by leaving us a review!

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

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