Orthopedics in Izmir

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 Izmir?

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 Izmir 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 Izmir

About Izmir

Izmir is a Turkish metropolitan city and is the third-largest city and situated on the western coast. It is one of the more popular destinations that plays host to an increasing number of medical tourists. The city’s geographical location is one of its biggest advantages as for centuries; Izmir is a trading town on the Mediterranean.

Numerous international travelers journey away from their native land towards the vibrant city of Izmir, propelled by the quest for superior healthcare solutions either for their personal welfare or that of their kin. Their decision often revolves around the advanced and specialized medical treatment they desire, either being non-existent or scarce within their nation or the exorbitant price attached to such healthcare services becomes an overwhelming burden to bear within their homeland.

Today, Izmir is witnessing a significant upsurge in the influx of medical tourists. Analyzing the city's patient data tells us a compelling narrative of an increasing trend of visitors seeking specialized treatments such as dentistry, fertility, and psychiatry. Moreover, it is not just the routine healthcare services drawing them in, but also the availability of expert and advanced care for rare medical conditions, making Izmir an appealing choice.

Popular Areas in Izmir

On initial contact, as your plane touches the tarmac in Izmir, you may be beguiled into perceiving this city as just another tranquil, picturesque hamlet exhibiting a leisurely rhythm of life. It wouldn't take long, however, for you to realize that the serene facade conceals a teeming life of variety and vivacity, a couple of hours is all it takes to reveal the city's multifaceted persona.

As a historic and significant city of Turkey, it's really no surprise that tourists get swept away by the grand scale and richness of age-old landmarks and Ottoman structures found across Izmir.

One key attraction is the vibrant Izmir Agora open-air museum that sits in the city core. The first glimpse might trick you into believing the city grew around it. Bordered by scenic hills, bustling marketplaces, towering structures, luxury apartments, and a serene yet sandy-free coastline, this place truly comes alive.

Alsancak is the heart of the city and the safest place in the inner city for tourists with lots of shopping opportunities if you don't want to go to any of the big shopping malls, there are also several decent places for eating, although nothing too fancy as they are mostly café style place, the prices are also slightly higher than other parts of Izmir.

The closest beaches are 50 miles west of the city. There is an excellent choice of superb beaches such as Ilıca (a long wide beach of pale sand where the water is very warm due to under-sea thermal activity), and just a short distance from Çeşme itself, Altınkum (with much cooler water),

Weather and Climate in Izmir

Izmir enjoys the characteristic Mediterranean climate that one might anticipate. Winter days bring a chill to the air, while the summer season is heralded by bright, sunny days.

• The winter season is from December to mid of March. The average temperature ranges from 7-10 degrees centigrade and January is the coldest month. The wettest month is December with an average of 140mm of rain.
• Spring is from Mid-March to May. This is the best time of the year to visit Izmir. It is advisable to plan ahead for your trip and book your flights and hotel reservations. Since this is the most pleasant season in Izmir, hotel booking rates are its highest and it can be difficult to get a reservation.
• The summer season is from June to September. The season is hot and dry. Humidity is not too high because of the influence of the Mediterranean Sea. The maximum temperature recorded is around 40 degrees centigrade.
• Autumn season is warm at the beginning of September. There is a high chance of rain and snow towards the end of November.

Getting around in Izmir

Getting around Izmir is a breeze, with the majority of the transportation systems being government-operated and widely hailed as the most effective means of commute. Boasting cleanliness and disciplined planning, Izmir is a city designed for comfort. Strategically placed taxi stands can be found at major locations, ensuring swift public convenience.

The city's well-coordinated metro system is adept at connecting Izmir's northern and southern ends through two distinct lines, effectively covering a majority of the cityscape. There's even a railway station conveniently located at the airport. Known as the Izmir Metro, this transport service provides an exceptionally convenient link between the airport and the city. Not to be overlooked is the city's sea transportation; public ferries can whisk you across the waters at very fair prices.

Tourist Visas in Izmir

Visa requirements for Izmir, Turkey:

Citizens of 55 countries, including all countries in the European Union, do not require a visa to enter Izmir, Turkey. Citizens of these countries can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days without a visa.

Citizens of all other countries must obtain a visa before entering Turkey. Visas can be obtained online or at a Turkish embassy or consulate. The visa application process is relatively straightforward and takes about 20 minutes to complete. You will need to provide your passport information, travel dates, and contact information. You will also need to upload a digital photo of yourself.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email confirmation. You should then receive your visa within 5 to 10 business days.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Is the Turkish Lira. 100 US dollars will yield 582.82 Turkish liras. It is best to carry the local currency within the city even though a lot of establishments like shops and hotels will accept payments in Euros and Dollars.
2. Money and Payments: Most Businesses will accept all the major cards at Izmir. Some restaurants even accept Premier Dining passes. Tipping is prevalent at ten percent of the service charge.
3. Local language: Most of the population speaks Turkish and Kurdish. English is understood and basic forms of English will be conversed in. Turkish is compulsorily taught at school, also a high number of people also speak Arabic.
4. Culture and Religion: Turkey is a secular country and it has no official religion. Having said this, a massive 99 percent of the population identify themselves as Muslims. While the remaining 0.2 percents are Christians and 0.8 percent from other religions.
5. ​​​​​​​Public Holidays: Izmir celebrates the Gregorian New Year day and May Day with great enthusiasm. Government offices remain closed on other state holidays such as the Izmir Republic Day that falls on the 28th and 29th of October every year. 23rd of April is also an important date when Izmir celebrates its National Sovereignty Day and Children’s Day together.