New Campaign Urges Shift to Evidence-Based OA Care for World Arthritis Day

New national campaign launches to combat misinformation and empower over 2 million Australians living with OA.

In the lead-up to World Arthritis Day (12 October), a new campaign is highlighting a critical gap in osteoarthritis (OA) care: despite being the most common form of arthritis and one of the leading causes of disability globally – affecting over 2 million Australians – the majority of those with OA have not been well equipped with the knowledge to manage their condition, often provided with outdated advice, and low-value treatments.

“When it comes to osteoarthritis treatments, many people are wasting their time and money,” said Professor David Hunter, Rheumatologist and leading OA researcher at the University of Sydney.
“By dispelling common myths and providing people with evidence-based knowledge, we can empower them to improve pain, mobility, and quality of life.”

The campaign — a collaboration between leading researchers at the University of Sydney and Arthritis Australia — centres on empowerment through knowledge. It directs people to four trusted, easy-to-access resources to help them understand their condition and take practical steps to manage it.

Practical, Proven, and Free — Four Resources That Make a Difference:

• Read: MyOA – Plain-language guides, tools, and strategies for daily management
• Listen: Joint Action Podcast – Expert and lived experience episodes Watch: OA Essentials Webinar – Practical tips for managing OA pain in just 30 minutes
• Participate: OA Research Participant Network – Connects Australians with relevant research opportunities.

“These resources are clear, credible, and freely available,” said Louise Hardy, Interim CEO of Arthritis Australia. “The more people we can reach — through trusted organisations, newsletters, and social media — the more likely they are to feel confident in managing their condition.”

Many Australians are still managing osteoarthritis based on myths and misinformation. Some common missteps include:
● Avoiding exercise out of fear — when movement is one of the most effective ways to reduce pain and improve function
● Using opioids — despite strong recommendations against their use for OA
● Paying for expensive treatments like PRP and stem cells — current evidence suggests these are no more effective than salt water injections
● Believing surgery is inevitable — when a joint replacement isn’t in most people’s future
● Overlooking the impact of small changes — even modest weight loss and diet shifts reduce pain and load

“Too many Australians are still being told there’s nothing they can do — that’s simply not true,” said Prof. David Hunter. “The key is making small, consistent changes in line with what the evidence supports. If in doubt, stick to the basics: move regularly and gently, understand which treatments are truly effective, and surround yourself with a support network that helps motivate you.”
“I used to believe OA was a burden I’d carry for life. But with the right knowledge, I’ve felt genuinely empowered to make better decisions — and now, it’s no longer the lens I see everything through, but a manageable part of my life.” said Tom Buttel, one of over 2 million Australians living with osteoarthritis.

This World Arthritis Day, the message is clear: while there may not be a cure for OA yet, people can make meaningful improvements today — and it starts with better information.

Call to Action:
This World Arthritis Day, people with osteoarthritis are being encouraged to take action by exploring four trusted, evidence-based resources:
● Read: MyOA – Plain-language guides, tools, and strategies for daily management [https://myoa.org.au/]
● Listen: Joint Action Podcast – Start with Dr Ben Darlow’s recent episode on common misconceptions and beliefs about osteoarthritis [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/joint-action/id1508969582]
● Watch: OA Essentials Webinar – Practical tips for managing OA pain in just 30 minutes [https://vimeo.com/1105012222]
● Participate: OA Research Participant Network – A national registry connecting people with OA to relevant research [https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/oa-participant-network]

These resources are free, credible, and built to help people with OA make practical changes — starting today.

Media contact:
Arthritis Australia – 0424 055 149

About Arthritis Australia
Arthritis Australia is the peak national body for arthritis, advocating on behalf of over 7 million Australians living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, and working with many other arthritis organisations to deliver information and support to people living with more than 100 types of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. We are a leading non-government funder of arthritis research in Australia and advocate for policies, programs and funding initiatives that will improve the health and wellbeing of people living with arthritis. For more information visit: arthritisaustralia.com.au
About the University of Sydney OA Team
Led by Professor David Hunter — ranked the world’s leading expert in osteoarthritis by Expertscape and ScholarGPS— the University of Sydney’s OA research group is internationally recognised for its work in osteoarthritis prevention, treatment, and patient education. [https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/]