Arthritis Foundation Launches Guide to Support Osteoarthritis Patients From Joint Pain to Diagnosis & Beyond

ATLANTA (September 14, 2026) — Nearly 33 million adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA), a joint disease that can degrade cartilage, change bone shape and cause inflammation in nearly any joint. As the disease progresses, it can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Many women and men live with joint pain and inflammation that may be signs of undiagnosed arthritis. Delayed diagnosis can contribute to worsening symptoms and a lower quality of life. 

Today, the Arthritis Foundation announced a new resource called Navigating Your OA Diagnosis: A Guide to Living Well With Osteoarthritis. Designed for people beginning their osteoarthritis diagnosis journey, the guide provides the most helpful information for OA patients, including informative facts about OA, an action-step checklist for patients and their healthcare team, questions to ask their doctors, an arthritis flare and symptom tracker and more. Upon request through the Arthritis Foundation Helpline, the guide also provides more in-depth information and resources on osteoarthritis pain management strategies; treatment options; nutrition, physical activity and emotional wellness guidance; tools for access to healthcare; as well as direct access to Arthritis Foundation resources and Connect Groups; and more. 

Support From Day One of Diagnosis  

Arthritis is a public health issue. One-in-four adults in the U.S. has a form of arthritis and it is a long-standing leading cause of disability. Despite the facts, myths and misunderstandings persist about what arthritis is, who it affects and how it can alter quality of life. Osteoarthritis, for example, was once thought of as a concern only for people over age 50, but today we know it can affect much younger people, too, especially those who have had a prior joint injury, such as a  torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or meniscus.  

“It's our aim to provide patients the information they need, when they need it wherever they are in their arthritis journey,” says Arthritis Foundation Chief Mission and Strategy Officer Vickie Fung. “Research has shown that having the right information about arthritis early in the diagnosis can lead to better outcomes for patients. Navigating Your OA Diagnosis will lead patients to a better understanding of their condition and available treatments, which we believe will help them confidently advocate for themselves as they navigate the health system.”  

Turning Diagnosis Into Empowerment 

Osteoarthritis has no cure and there are currently no FDA-approved treatments that stop disease progression. Reaching osteoarthritis patients when they get diagnosed can shorten the time between the onset of joint pain and treatment, thereby reducing the risk of delayed care and prolonged pain.  

Navigating Your OA Diagnosis also provides patients a roadmap to the Foundation’s patient education resources and connections to experts and other patients through Connect Groups, webinars, podcasts and community events. Engaging in these programs can provide emotional support to patients, which studies show is associated with feeling more empowered when talking with healthcare providers and when getting help and information.  

“An osteoarthritis diagnosis can leave people with more questions than answers. That's why reaching patients early with clear, trustworthy information matters so much. When people understand their options and have practical tools to guide their next steps, they feel more confident and better equipped to partner with their care team. The earlier we can put that support in someone's hands, the more it can shape how they manage this disease going forward,” says Arthritis Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Steven Taylor.  

How to Request Navigating Your OA Diagnosis 

The guide is available as a downloadable PDF at arthritis.org. A printed version of the guide can be requested by contacting the Arthritis Foundation Helpline. 

About the Arthritis Foundation  

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the fight against arthritis — the nation’s #1 cause of disability. Through groundbreaking scientific research, patient-centered programs, advocacy at all levels of government and robust community engagement, the Foundation empowers people to live their best lives while relentlessly pursuing a cure. With a presence in communities nationwide, we amplify the voices of those affected and work to drive lasting change. Learn more at arthritis.org and follow @arthritisfoundation on social media.