Orthopedics in Alicante

Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with the conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, including the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. A doctor who specializes in orthopedics is called an orthopedist. The musculoskeletal conditions that orthopedists can treat may be present from birth or occur as a result of injury or age-related wear and tear. Some of the most common conditions that an orthopedist can treat are as follows:

• Bone fractures
• Joint pain from arthritis
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Soft tissue, including muscles, ligament, and tendon, injuries
• Shoulder pain and problems, such as bursitis
• Worn out and sports injuries, such as meniscus tears, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, and tendinitis
• Congenital conditions, such as scoliosis and clubfoot.

Orthopedists can conduct diagnostic tests, including physical examinations and X-rays. They use both surgical and nonsurgical approaches to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. The procedures performed by orthopedists include, but are not limited to:

• Total joint replacement
• Knee ligament surgery, including knee arthroscopy
• Shoulder arthroscopy
• Carpal tunnel release
• Fracture repair surgery
• Spinal fusion
• Hip replacement
• LaminectomyFracture repair surgery, including repair of the ankle, the femoral neck, and trochanteric fracture
• Bone grafting surgery
• Osteotomy
• Herniated disk surgery
• Debridement of muscle, bone, or fracture.

How Long Should I Stay in Alicante?

Depending on the condition for which you were treated and the type of treatment you underwent, you may be able to leave the hospital the same day or the day after surgery. In general, you should wait at least 4 to 7 days before you travel home for most surgeries. This is because surgery can affect your ability to tolerate turbulence. After total hip replacement, it is recommended that you take it very easy for around 3 months to minimize the risk of hip dislocation. During your stay in Alicante you will need to attend several follow-up checkups where your orthopedist will monitor your healing and remove any stitches (if necessary). 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Several factors determine your recovery period, including your overall health, the reason you needed an orthopedic treatment, and the type of treatment you had. Your orthopedist will give you a detailed post-operative plan, including when you can go back to your normal routine and work. The recovery period takes approximately 2 weeks to 3 months.

What Aftercare is Required?

Make sure to follow your orthopedist direction after treatment. In most cases, you will need to attend rehabilitation, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy, which you can do at a facility in your home country or have home visits from a physical therapist. The goal of physical therapy is to increase your range of motion, improve function, and to regain your strength and ability. 

What's the Success Rate?

The advancement of orthopedics and a deeper understanding of the musculoskeletal system have made orthopedic treatments safer and highly successful. For example, over 95% of patients who had total hip replacement experience relief from hip pain. However, while orthopedics surgery generally does not cause major risks, you still need to be aware that complications can occur, such as infections, blood clots, blood vessel damage, bone fracture, and joint stiffness. 

Are there Alternatives?

There is typically no other alternatives than seeing an orthopedist if you experience any problems in your bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. However, depending on your condition, you may be able to undergo acupuncture, home exercise programs, and other alternative treatments.

Orthopedics in and around Alicante

About Alicante

Alicante is a city in Spain known for its historic Mediterranean port, castle, old quarter, and sandy beaches. It is also popular for its exciting eating scene and legendary nightlife. Due to the city’s resorts and attractions, the city is very much influenced by tourism. Home to numerous top-quality, world-renowned medical facilities, it is also one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism in Spain. Almost all of the medical facilities in the city have top-level medical professionals who specialize in the use and application of the most advanced medical technologies in all branches of medicine. Added to this is the city’s affordable medical costs that allow international medical tourists to save 30% to 70% of their money. Also, the city’s strategic location makes it very accessible for foreign patients.

Popular Parts of Alicante

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Alicante offers a wealth of activities for anyone who wants to have fun under the sun. The most popular beach in the city is San Juan de Alicante, which offers fine, golden sand and clear blue waters. On this beach, visitors can try kayaks, yachts, surfing, or even scuba diving. Another popular beach is Playa del Postiguet where visitors can relax and sunbathe. Beyond its beaches, Alicante has many other attractions. One of the most popular is the old town as it is filled with beautiful architecture; art museums, a cathedral, and stunning narrow streets. The city also has numerous historic sites and museums, such as Castell de la Santa Barbara, Museu de la Ciutat d’Alacant, Basilica de Santa Maria, and Museum de Belles Arts Gravina.

Transport in Alicante

Visitors will arrive at Alicante–Elche Airport, which is the fifth-busiest airport in Spain and operates international flights to and from numerous cities in Europe. To get around the city, the tram and bus are the most affordable options. Both have expansive networks that stop at key locations. Taxis are also available, regulated, and relatively affordable. Those who stay in the old town can get around on foot since most areas of interest are within walking distance.

Visas in Alicante

Spain is a member of the Schengen Convention. Therefore, citizens of 62 countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States, are granted visa-free entry and can stay for up to 90 days. Other countries need to apply for a visa prior to traveling. 

Weather in Alicante

The weather in Alicante is pleasant all-year-round, due to its location on the Mediterranean coast. The summers are hot and the winters are mild. During the hottest months of the summer, July and August, the temperatures rarely drop below 30°C. However, the refreshing and cooling breeze of the Mediterranean Sea makes it endurable. In the winter, the temperatures can drop to 8°C. Autumn and spring are both pleasant.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The euro is the official currency and 1 EUR is approx. = 1.12 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easily available. Credit and debit cards can be used for most purchases and tipping is optional.
3. Local Language: The official language is Spanish. Many people can speak good English. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: The largest religion is Catholic Christianity, but there are also small groups of Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and several other religions.
5. Public Holidays: Some of the most important public holidays are New Year’s Day, Day of Murcia, and Christmas Day.