Orthopedics in Krakow

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 Krakow?

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 Krakow 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 Krakow

About Kraków

Kraków is the second-largest and also one of the oldest cities in Poland. It was the official capital of the country until 1596 and has been one of the leading centers of Polish economic, academic, cultural, and artistic life. Named as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Kraków is brimming with stunning architecture, enthralling history, and riveting culture. Today, the city is at the forefront of Europe’s medical tourism. The most sought-after treatments are dentistry and cosmetic surgery. International medical tourists, particularly from neighboring countries, come to this city for its affordable procedures, fully organized healthcare system, and skilled specialists. 

Popular Parts of Kraków

Kraków is full of charm; from its cobbled streets and beautiful squares to stunning churches and a castle. The most popular part of the city is the Old Town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors who come to the Old Town can admire the Wawel Royal Castle, which is an architectural wonder in a medieval, renaissance, and baroque style. This castle is now a museum containing five separate sections. Another popular part of the Old town is the Main Market Square, which is the biggest medieval town square in Europe with a 15th century Town Hall Tower, a 16th-century Cloth Hall at the center, and a bronze statue of Polish 19th-century poet Adam Mickiewicz. Other popular parts of the city are Schindler’s Factory, the Underground Museum, and Auschwitz. 

Transport in Kraków

Kraków John Paul II International Airport is where most international tourists will arrive. It serves flights to numerous cities around Europe and the Middle East. The most affordable way to get around the city is by public buses and trams. Taxis are reasonably priced and comfortable, but make sure to use official taxis that use a meter as there are illegal taxis that will try to overcharge you. Uber is available and it is the cheapest option if you don’t want to take public transit. Bicycles are also popular in the city and bike rentals are widely available. 

Visas in Kraków

Poland is a part of the Schengen area. Therefore, citizens of 62 countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, and Australia, can stay in Kraków for up to 90 days without a visa. EU citizens do not need a visa and can stay indefinitely. Citizens of other countries need to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. 

Weather in Kraków

Summer, from June to August, is generally warm with an average temperature of about 25°C. The spring (April – May) and autumn (September – October) have great weather with milder temperatures. Note that spring is usually a bit rainier than other seasons. Winter can get pretty cold, with the temperatures dropping below 0.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Polish Zlotych (PLN). 1 USD is equivalent to approx. 3.8 PLN.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easy to find in Kraków. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Tipping is optional and not mandatory.
3. Local Language: Polish is the native language and English is widely spoken by younger people.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population adheres to Christianity. However, other religions, such as Judaism, are also present.
5. Public Holidays: Kraków celebrates various public holidays, including the New Year’s Day, Three King’s Day, Easter, Constitution Day, Corpus Christi, All Saints’ Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day.