Cleveland Clinic Health Talk Podcasts

Osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative arthritis) is the most common type of arthritis. It may affect one or more joints anywhere in the body. Osteoarthritis usually occurs later in life and commonly affects the hands and larger weight-bearing joints, such as hips and knees.

People are meant to move and physical therapy is all about movement. The goals of orthopaedics and physical therapy are to treat pain through movement, restore mobility and enhance quality of life. Physical therapist Lester Goetz talks about what you can expect with your physical therapy and how it will help maximize your functional ability.

Dr. Joseph George offers a quick rundown on exactly how arthritis happens, and how to best manage the resulting stiffness, pain and inflammation. Low-impact exercise, medications and other non-surgical treatments can often be enough help keep you moving. When they are not, repair and replacement of the joints may be needed. Dr. George reviews the latest in hip, knee and other joint replacement options.

Cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens and is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye's optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. Find out more about how these surgeries have changed over the years.

Macular degeneration can lead to loss of central vision. Risk factors may include high blood pressure, exposure to direct sunlight over a period of years, and not smoking.

During an eye appointment, several types of eye tests may be performed. In addition to a complete eye examination, based on your likely diagnosis, your doctor may want to order one of the special tests.

Addiction is a treatable disease. Research shows that combining treatment medications (where available) with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis. Although many of these medications are available in over-the-counter preparations, individuals with osteoarthritis should talk to a healthcare provider before taking the medications. Some medications may have dangerous or unwanted side effects and/or may interfere with other medications that are being taken.

Long-term success in treating pain has not arrived in the form of a magic pill and many are disappointed.

We should all protect our feet, but it is especially important for diabetics. Find out why it’s important and how to do it.

You can make a difference in your blood glucose control. To keep your blood glucose levels within goal range, balance what you eat and drink, diabetes medications (if taken), and physical activity.

Controlling blood sugar and yearly eye exams help to prevent damage to blood vessels in the eyes. Laser surgery can preserve sight for many.

Along with healthy eating and being physically active, your healthcare provider may order medications to keep your blood sugar in the target range.

Whether you have already had hip and knee replacement or are considering it, here is the latest information on what is new in the field. As always, any joint replacement procedure depends on you and your lifestyle.

What patients go through with physical therapy after total joint replacement can vary widely. Listen to honest insights on the physical therapy journey and get the info you need.