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

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

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 articles

• Neighborhood Characteristics & Walking Behavior Among Adults with Arthritis: An NHIS Study - Pocha - Arthritis Care & Research - Wiley Online Library

CONNECT WITH US

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

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

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.

RESOURCES

Journal articles

• From cartilage to culture: Opportunities for unraveling the complexities of osteoarthritis through sex and gender

CONNECT WITH US

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

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