Orthopedics in Iksan

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 Iksan?

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 Iksan 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 Iksan

About Iksan

Iksan is a city in the western part of South Korea. It was formed in 1995 from the merger of the city of Iri with Iksan County. The city is often referred to as “The City of Jewelry” as it is the center of jewelry manufacturing in the country. In addition, it is also known as the market center of agricultural products, as well as a major railway junction in North Jeolla Province. Today, the city is slowly becoming a medical tourism hotspot for foreign patients who want to obtain medical treatments in South Korea. Combining modern medical technology and traditional Korean medicine, hospitals and clinics in the city are frequented by patients from all around the world.  

Popular Parts of Iksan

Iksan was once the capital of the ancient Baekje Kingdom, which is why the city has numerous ancient temples. Tourists are welcome to explore and admire these temples, where they can learn more about the city’s fascinating history. Those who are intrigued by the city’s history can visit the Mireuksaji Museum, which displays and preserves the relics of the ancient temples from the Baekje Kingdom. As the center of jewelry manufacturing in South Korea, the city also has a jewelry museum called the Iksan Jewelry Museum. This museum was built to educate visitors about jewelry and to provide a cultural space related to Baekje relics. Other popular attractions include the Central Park (Chungang Cheuk Gongwon), Seodong Park, and Gemma Sculpture Park. In Central Park, visitors are free to sit on the ground and watch the Music Fountain, which is really beautiful especially at night. 

Transport in Iksan

International medical tourists who want to visit Iksan usually arrive at Incheon International Airport or Cheongju International Airport. From both of these airports, they can ride the bus or the train to reach Iksan. The best ways to get around the city is by bus or the subway, but taxis are available and are reasonably priced.

Visas in Iksan

South Korea allows holders of passports issued by 112 countries, such as all EU countries, the US, Canada, and Russia, to visit and stay in the country for 30, 60, or 180 days. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa-free entry need to apply and obtain a visa before their travel to Iksan.

Weather in Iksan

Iksan experiences four seasons. The winter, from November to early March, is typically cold and long. The temperatures during this season can plummet as low as -20°C. Spring sets in March and the temperatures begin to warm up. However, rainfall also becomes more frequent during this season. Summer begins in June and ends in August. The weather can be hot, rainy and muggy. September to November is the autumn, which brings nearly perfect weather. 

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  The official currency is South Korean Won (KRW). 1 USD is approx. 1,185 KRW.
2. Money & Payments:  It’s easy to find ATMs and credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Tipping is not expected, except for porters and tour guides. In some restaurants, tipping may be considered rude.
3. Local Language:  Korean is the official language and Hangul is the formal script. Many people do speak and understand English at a lower level.
4. Local Culture and Religion:  Most people in the city are not religious or follow indigenous religions. Other religions, particularly Buddhism and Christianity, are also practiced.
5. Public Holidays: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and the Birthday of Buddha are some of the more celebrated holidays in Iksan.