Hallux valgus
Bunions
Hallux valgus causes the big toe to move towards the other toes, often creating a painful bony prominence at the side of the foot. Treatment depends on the severity of the deformity and symptoms.
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics in Poland
Foot Surgery in Poland for patients from Ireland
Waiting for an orthopaedic consultation or foot surgery in Ireland? Patients can access specialist foot and ankle assessment and private treatment in Poland, including surgery for bunions, hallux rigidus and hammer toes.
Check Foot Surgery Options
Private orthopaedic treatment in Poland with help arranging consultations, surgery and HSE documentation.
Waiting in Ireland?
You may have another option
Orthopaedic waiting times in Ireland can vary considerably depending on the hospital, clinical priority and available capacity. Patients who do not want to wait may consider private orthopaedic assessment and treatment in another EU country, including Poland.
Foot surgery in Poland may be eligible for HSE reimbursement
Under the EU Cross Border Directive, eligible patients living in Ireland may receive healthcare in another EU country and apply to the HSE for reimbursement. The amount depends on the exact treatment performed, the applicable HSE classification and the individual patient's eligibility.
01
Get the correct referralMake sure the applicable Irish referral requirements are met before starting the treatment pathway in Poland.
02
Orthopaedic assessmentA foot and ankle specialist examines the condition, reviews imaging where required and recommends the appropriate treatment.
03
Treatment & HSE claimAfter eligible treatment in Poland, the required medical and payment documentation can be submitted to the HSE.
*HSE reimbursement is assessed individually and depends on eligibility, the treatment actually provided and the applicable reimbursement rules. Reimbursement is not guaranteed. Patients considering day-case or inpatient surgery may also wish to apply for HSE Prior Notification before treatment.
Looking for foot treatment in Poland?
Tell us about your diagnosis, symptoms or the treatment you have been advised to consider. We can help you explore specialist consultations, available treatment options in Poland and the practical steps involved in the HSE Cross Border Directive.
Common foot conditions
Specialist treatment for painful foot deformities
Foot and ankle conditions can affect walking, footwear and everyday mobility. Some problems can be managed conservatively, while others may require surgery when pain or deformity becomes more advanced.
Hallux rigidus
Stiff and painful big toe
Hallux rigidus is a degenerative condition affecting the joint at the base of the big toe. It may cause increasing stiffness, pain and difficulty during walking or push-off.
Hammer toes
Toe deformity and pressure
Hammer toes can become painful and may cause pressure points, corns and problems with footwear. Flexible deformities may be managed differently from fixed or advanced cases.
Individual orthopaedic assessment
The right procedure depends on your individual foot
Foot surgery is not planned from a photograph or diagnosis alone. The orthopaedic specialist assesses the deformity, pain, mobility and imaging before recommending the most appropriate treatment.
Clinical examination The specialist checks the position, movement and stability of the foot and toes.
X-ray or imaging Weight-bearing X-rays or other imaging may be required to assess the deformity and joint.
Individual procedure The operation is selected according to the type and severity of the condition.
Recovery plan Your surgeon explains walking, footwear and follow-up after the procedure.
Bunion surgery
How is hallux valgus treated surgically?
When conservative treatment no longer provides sufficient relief, surgery may be considered to correct the deformity and improve foot function.
Different surgical techniques are available. The choice depends on the angle and severity of the deformity, the condition of the joint and other individual factors.
CHEVRON osteotomy A corrective bone procedure that may be used for selected hallux valgus deformities.
SCARF osteotomy Another commonly used corrective technique that allows the surgeon
to reposition the first metatarsal where appropriate.
More complex procedures More advanced or combined deformities may require a different
or additional surgical approach.
Not every bunion needs surgery The decision is based on symptoms and function, not only on the
appearance of the foot.
After foot surgery
Recovery depends on the procedure performed
Recovery after foot surgery varies considerably. Some procedures allow early protected walking, while others require a longer period of reduced weight-bearing or special footwear.
Your surgeon will provide individual instructions regarding walking, wound care, footwear, rehabilitation and when it is appropriate to travel.
Protected walking Some patients may be allowed to walk early using a special
post-operative shoe.
Swelling Foot swelling can continue for some time after surgery and varies
between patients and procedures.
Follow-up Post-operative review is arranged according to the surgeon’s treatment plan.
Return to Ireland The timing of travel should be agreed with the treating surgeon
based on your procedure and recovery.
Treatment from Ireland
Waiting in Ireland? Explore treatment in Poland
Patients facing a long wait for orthopaedic assessment or foot surgery in Ireland may choose to arrange private treatment in Poland. If HSE reimbursement is important to you, the Cross Border Directive requirements should be checked before starting the treatment pathway.
01
Referral
Make sure you have the appropriate Irish referral if you intend to apply for HSE reimbursement.
02
Specialist consultation
An orthopaedic specialist reviews your symptoms, examination and imaging and recommends treatment.
03
Surgery in Poland
If surgery is recommended, the procedure and timing are agreed with the clinic and treating surgeon.
04
HSE reimbursement
After eligible treatment, the relevant medical and payment documentation can be submitted to the HSE.
Planning inpatient or day-case surgery? HSE Prior Notification may be useful before travelling, as it can
help clarify eligibility and provide an indication of potential reimbursement.
The final decision and amount remain with the HSE.
Frequently asked questions
Foot surgery in Poland for patients from Ireland
Can I have bunion surgery in Poland if I live in Ireland?
Yes. Patients living in Ireland can arrange private orthopaedic consultation and treatment in Poland. The surgeon first confirms the diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment.
Can HSE reimburse foot surgery performed in Poland?
Eligible treatment may qualify under the EU Cross Border Directive. Reimbursement depends on the treatment actually provided, HSE eligibility and the applicable reimbursement classification.
Do I need a GP referral?
If you plan to apply for HSE reimbursement, make sure you meet the relevant Irish referral requirements before beginning the treatment pathway in Poland.
What is the difference between hallux valgus and hallux rigidus?
Hallux valgus is a deformity where the big toe moves towards the other toes. Hallux rigidus is primarily arthritis and stiffness of the big-toe joint.
Will I be able to walk after bunion surgery?
This depends on the operation performed. Some procedures allow early protected walking in specialist footwear, while others require different weight-bearing restrictions.
Do all bunions need surgery?
No. Surgery is generally considered when symptoms, pain or functional problems justify operative treatment. The decision is made after individual orthopaedic assessment.
Waiting for foot treatment or surgery in Ireland?
Tell us about your diagnosis, symptoms or treatment recommendation. We can help you explore specialist orthopaedic options in Poland, available consultations and the practical steps involved in the HSE Cross Border Directive.
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