For Those Newly Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis

Your Situation

The X-ray came back. Your doctor said the words: “You have osteoarthritis.” Maybe you expected it, maybe you didn’t. Either way, hearing a diagnosis changes things. Suddenly, you’re one of the 32 million Americans with OA, and you’re not sure what that means for your future.

First, take a breath. Osteoarthritis is common—and being common means there’s more research, more treatments, and more support than ever before. This isn’t a death sentence for your active life. Many people live full, active lives with osteoarthritis. The key is understanding your condition and making informed decisions about care.

You’re going to hear a lot of information—from doctors, from well-meaning friends, from the internet. Some of it will be helpful. Some of it will be outdated or just plain wrong. That’s why we created this resource: to give you accurate, balanced information as you figure out your path forward.

Common Questions

“Does this mean I’ll need a knee (or hip) replacement?” Not necessarily. Many people manage osteoarthritis for years or decades without surgery. Some never need it. The progression varies greatly between individuals, and there are many effective treatments to try before considering surgery.

“Will my arthritis get worse?” OA is a progressive condition, meaning it tends to advance over time. However, the rate of progression varies widely. Lifestyle factors—weight, activity, treatment choices—can significantly influence how quickly it progresses.

“What should I do right now?” Start with the basics: maintain a healthy weight, stay active with joint-friendly exercise, and follow up with your healthcare provider about treatment options. Don’t rush into any major decisions while you’re still processing the diagnosis.

“Are supplements worth trying?” Some people find relief with certain supplements like glucosamine or omega-3s. The research is mixed, and they don’t work for everyone. They’re generally safe to try but shouldn’t replace proven treatments.

“When should I consider injections or other treatments?” When lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter options aren’t providing adequate relief, it’s time to discuss other treatments with your provider. This doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re managing a progressive condition appropriately.

Next Steps

Here’s a reasonable approach for the first few months after diagnosis:

1. Learn the basics - Understand what osteoarthritis is and isn’t (our guide can help)
2. Assess your current lifestyle - Identify changes that might help protect your joints
3. Build your care team - Consider seeing a rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist
4. Create a monitoring plan - Track your symptoms and what makes them better or worse
5. Explore treatment options - Learn about the full range of options, from lifestyle to injections to surgery

Resources For You

We’ve gathered the most important resources for people newly diagnosed with osteoarthritis:

• Understanding Osteoarthritis: A comprehensive guide to your condition
• First 90 Days After Diagnosis: What to do (and not do) right after learning you have OA
• Treatment Options Overview: All your options from conservative to surgical
• Joint-Friendly Exercise Guide: Stay active without making things worse
• Symptom Tracking Worksheet: Monitor patterns and progress

A diagnosis isn’t an ending—it’s information. Information that empowers you to make better decisions about your health. You’re not alone on this journey, and there’s every reason to be hopeful about maintaining a full, active life.