Review the following 'Questions To Ask' about osteoarthritis so you're prepared to discuss this important health issue with your health care professional.

1. Why am I having pain? Do I have osteoarthritis?

2. Are you sure I don't have other disorders that might cause my pain?

3. What drugs are available to help me? What are their benefits and side effects? Will these drugs interact with any other medications that I am taking?

4. Are there ways I can prevent my osteoarthritis from getting worse?

5. Besides taking drugs, what can I do to reduce my pain and make it easier to live with?

6. What should I do if an x-ray shows I have osteoarthritis, but I don't feel any pain?

7. What precautions should I take when exercising to protect affected joints? What should I do if my joints start to hurt or hurt worse while I'm exercising?

8. Can I benefit from changing my diet or losing weight? Will it lessen my joint pain?

9. Are there any devices that can make it easier for me to stay active without damaging my joints or aggravating my pain?

10. What can I do to cope with pain so I don't have to give up the activities that are important to me?

11. Are there support groups or other programs for people with osteoarthritis in this area?

12. Should I try a hyaluronic acid injection? What are its risks and benefits?