European Foot Institute Dr. med. Dirk Nowak

After 5 years I can tell that surgery performed by Dr Nowak in August 2017 was extremely successful! Amazing results instantly as today too. Anyone with this horrible deformation should contact Dr Nowak and his excellent team. They improved my life and saved me from continuous annoying pain, not to mention boost of self esteem psychologically
Can’t thank you enough guys🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻♥️✨

Yours grateful ex-patient Elma from Sydney Australia

My case: bilateral bunions. I live in the UK, started emailing Susann before covid lockdown. The communication was next to none! Nothing was too much of a bother.I initially booked my op in Worthing, got cancelled due to lock down. I decided to go to Munich as can’t wait any longer & convinced myself that only Dr Nowak must do my surgery based on his technique (not all keyhole bunion surgeries the same!) and they have excellent reviews. Op was on 6/9/21 had both feet done. The cost was also reasonable, compared to London. I been reading up on bunion surgery on/off last 5yrs, I did not want to be butchered and have long term issues ( I am an occupational therapist by profession and worked in trauma orthopaedic/rehab).

My experience in Munich surgery was great. I got briefed by Dr Nowak pre-op. My favourite bit was when the kind anaesthetist explained intubation during GA and might have sore throat for a day or two then he said with a straight face, i don’t want you to worry in case, why your throat is sore when it’s too far away from your feet (i still laugh when i think of it). No sorethroat! Nurses were attentive. Got my sexy orthopedic shoes & all pain meds.

Flew back to UK on 8/9/21 (crutches &w/chair in airport) The peak of my pain was day 2. After that everything was manageable. Susann checked on me regularly, (even whilst on her holidays). Went to Worthing clinic week4 for removal of K-wire. Week6 started joint AROM & full WB.

Fast forward, week7 I was back on my trainers & started low impact dancing work out at home. You can hardly see any scars. Thank you Dr Nowak, Susann and your whole team.

Nach über einem Jahr der Hallux valgus Operation bin ich immer noch sehr zufrieden!!!

ここ数年外反拇趾が酷くなり、足の変形や靴を履いていると夕方には痛みが出てくる事がとても気になっていました。手術をせずに痛みが緩和する事を願って色々と試みましたが、全く改善が見られず、悩んだあげくインターネットで手術に関して調べ、NOWAK先生の事と彼の診療所の事を知り、すぐに予約を入れ話し合い、その結果手術する事を決めて現在に至ります。
手術後は痛みも少なく、早いうちから(最初のうちは杖は必要)歩ける事に驚きました。
NOWAK先生はとても感じがよく、専門家としても腕の良い、かなり信頼できる先生です。先生だけでなく、診療所のスタッフ、手術が施行された病院やそのスタッフ全てを含め、これから手術を考えている皆さんに推薦できます。

Over the last few years, I have been suffering the pain and deformed feet. The pain has become terrible, I tried various things in hopes that the pain would be reduced without surgery, but I could not see any improvement at all.
Therefore I searched deeply some solutions including surgery and found the practice of Dr. Nowak & his team. Immediately I made a reservation, discuss, and as a result, I decided for the surgery.
Dr. NOWAK is a very trustworthy, sympathetic person and has good professional skills and experiences. From the beginning I felt he is the right doctor for my feet problems. The surgery was done successfully and I was really surprised as the pain after surgery was not big and I could move earlier than expected.
I can recommend Dr. Nowak and not only him but also his practice team and the hospital where surgery was performed and all of those staff who are considering surgery. Thank you so much!
I am looking forward to having next surgery for right foot.

I have suffered for at least 10 years with an extremely painful toe joint. My joint was arthritic and had a few bones spurs. After years of pain, I tried a cheilectomy procedure (2 years ago) hoping to get movement back into my joint and pain relief. Soon after surgery I knew that the cheilectomy procedure didn't give me the relief I had been hoping for, sadly my pain was worse. Shoes were impossible to wear, toe joint with extremely limited movement and so painful and limits on my walking and activity. I kept searching for an innovative procedure hoping to avoid a joint fusion. I finally came across an article on the Cartiva Implant and instinctively knew that this made sense to me and I knew I wanted to try this before commiting to a non reversible fusion. I found that in Germany they have been doing this Cartiva Implant the longest and that experience I knew would be invaluable as I had already one surgery removing bone during the cheilectomy. I also found out the the protocol is more advanced in EU with a tend to get joint mobile immediately by toe wiggling and light shoe rather than casting and a heavy boot. The movement reduces scar tissue and this is what's need to joint back in good mobility. I read countless reviews and landed on Dr. Dirk Nowak, it was impressive. From the very first email every detail was handled with a refreshing professional manor and Susann Parker was just a dream to deal with answering my questions and helping me schedule and navigate coming from Qatar. Once I landed in Germany for the Cartiva Implant I was thrilled finally meet Susann, Dr. Nowak and his team, so very welcoming! The day of the procedure was efficiently timed, I came at 9:30am, procedure at 10am, recovery by 10:30 and picked up by noon. After post op recovery, I could stand and walk with more ease than I imagined and most thrilling I could immediately feel relief in my joint. Dr Nowak cautioned me that I still had pain block and to take it easy but, I was very optimistic that this implant worked! After bandage change the following day I was moving so well I didn't need any crutches support and was so confident and feeling so goo that I got busted shopping (although it was only a short time and distance) and told to go back and rest which I did. I wanted to follow all instructions for the best possible result. I left Munich a few days later and have started Physio to move the joint with really good results and was impressed that Dr. Nowak communicated with my physiotherapist letting him know exactly what my joint needed for best results. I am only four weeks post op now, but looking forward to finally getting back into proper shoes and being more active over in the months to follow. I cannot say enough positive about Dr. Nowak and his team and especially my new friend Susann! If you are in toe joint pain, you owe it to yourself to try this Cartiva implant and Dr. Nowak!

I am so impressed with my whole journey with Dr. Nowak. From the very first communication to my last appointment to remove the wire to the aftercare , I could not ask for anything more with this whole experience. The procedure was done in a very relaxed clean and professional environment and I felt very well looked after and supported all the way through. This is all on top of the amazing results as an outcome of the surgical procedure for my feet , they are now totally free from the pain that I used to experience on a daily basis and look absolutely beautiful. I would highly recommend Dr. Nowak, and Susann Parker to anyone thinking of having this procedure.

To find a surgeon who can correct my bunions with a minimally invasive procedure has been on my mind for a few years. I knew one thing: there was no way, unfortunately, they go away on their own and postponing will make it worse. What to do? Where to find such a doctor? Whom can I trust? I never had any surgery before, and the fact that I could make a wrong choice and put my body through a stress and possibly cause permanent walking problems, was horrifying! Time was going by and I finally decided to start looking for a doctor. I searched in both languages on Google and, in case I do not understand something, I wanted the doctor to speak English. Shortly after I landed on Dr. Nowak’s page and I knew I was on the right track: positive feedbacks, minimally invasive procedure and a lot of experience. Exactly what I was hoping for!

I was very surprised how fast I got a response to my email from his assistant, Susann Parker. A few days later I was already at Dr. Nowak’s office for my initial consultation, and being convinced by his professionalism, I made an appointment for my first surgery without any hesitation. I was provided detailed information I needed to be prepared for the surgery and left the office looking forward to that day when I have my bunions corrected.

I could not be calmer on the day of my surgery after all the support I got from the Dr. Nowak’s amazing team before and during the preparation in the clinic! The staff were very friendly and caring, they did their best to make me feel comfortable and at ease! I woke up after the anesthetic full of energy, ready to hop off the table and go home. And this is exactly what I did: I put my feet down, put recommended shoes on, learnt very quickly how to use crutches, and only kept in mind that I must not bend my foot, walked out of the clinic! A family member picked me up and we left using public transportation. And this is all after the foot surgery walking on my both feet for some distance! Really? If it were not for Dr. Nowak’s superior technique, it would not have been possible!

For the next six weeks, I went back to Dr. Nowak’s office for checkups and having bandages changed. Two weeks later stiches came out and four weeks later - the pin. Everything was done with such attention and thought for patients by him and his staff. I was also active during this time: I walked a lot, used public transportation, and went to the theater. Six weeks later I took the bandage off, put my sneakers on and went to see the doctor again. After a few weeks of physiotherapy I started walking normally on my both feet. I was very happy that my left foot was all fixed, pain free, looked fantastic and with no scars!

I could not wait to have my right foot done and one month later I was on my way already back to the clinic all excited. Another surgery and I was looking forward to it? Yes, definitely! I did not worry at all, I knew what to expect and what to do. The same as with the left foot, my right one was recovering very fast; I was even more active and sleeping for me was not a problem.

In the end I got everything I wished for: my dream to have an easygoing, successful surgery with no worries, no pain, came true. This experience was a miracle thanks to Dr. Nowak’s outstanding skills and talent to conduct such a surgery! I cannot help saying enough how much I appreciate his unique approach to correcting the bunions. During my recovery time I happened to meet a lot of people who I was proud to share my experience with and see their reaction when they saw my feet: wide open eyes and wow! And yes, they look fabulous! They were also astonished by the fact that I could walk right after the surgery and the recovery did not take long time at all! I was very blessed to have come across Dr. Nowak. I will be always recommending him without any hesitation, proudly, happily and with a big smile on my face! Thank you very much for all your work, care and talent! All the best!

Ich war in jeder Hinsicht sehr zufrieden und möchte daher gerne Dr. Novak weiterempfehlen.

I was hesitant to do the procedure. Here in France where I am insured Cartiva is still not known! I had been reluctant to undergo arthrodesis because it is so radical and I was afraid of lasting repercussions on my back. When the US FDA approved Cartiva after a six-year study I was most encouraged to go that route. Fortunately I had already been in touch with Susann Parker at the European Foot Institute in Munich and I decided to make an appointment for the procedure with Dr Nowak. I must say that everything in Munich was tops! The professionalism of all the staff, the friendliness, the cleanliness. Best of all I followed the explicit instructions and had little to no pain afterwards and could walk more than a Kilometer with the special shoe and crutches immediately. The recovery period was fast. My foot remained a bit sore and swollen for a few months but I was able to go back to swimming as soon as the skin healed and walked my usual amount with no trouble. Amazing. I am very happy!

I heard about Dr Nowak's approach to correcting bunions using his specialist system. A friend had had the operation and highly recommended him. Following initial phone consultations and examination of x-rays and photos which I provided I was assured that the procedure was appropriate to my condition.
I had some concerns about the operation which is carried out under a local anaesthetic but I remember nothing and within 45 minutes I'd had both feet operated on. I walked out of the theatre and spent some time with Dr Nowak and Susann as they explained how to look after my recovering feet. I followed their instructions carefully and four weeks later I returned to have the pins removed. Again, slight trepidation but no need to worry - pins out and on my way within an hour, including a chat with someone who'd just had the operation. I had some swelling and this continues if I overdo it - it's nature's way of telling me to put my feet up! There's nothing I would suggest they do to improve their wonderful approach to this life changing procedure. Got to go - there's a dog wanting a walk! Many thanks to the whole team.

My first initial contact, they messaged me back within three hours, amazing when we have an eight hour time difference. They were clear on what was needed for the assessment, and quick response back on findings. They were willing to accommodate according to my flight arrangements, dates and times. Very professional in every way. I have already have other friends inquire about their services. I am very happy with my results so far, and I know I will get continued support. I highly recommend their services to everyone.

I would highly recommend Dr. Nowak and his team. For the past year I have been looking for the right doctor to remove a large growth on my foot. I am an American living abroad so it was important to me to have an English speaking doctor and team. Dr. Nowak was able to clearly explain everything to me. And on top of this, his colleague, Susann was great to work with, always available to call and give advice on all of the pre and post operational procedures. I was also impressed by how quickly the operation was able to take place. I visited Dr. Nowak for my initial check and had an appointment for surgery only two weeks later. So to sum up, I was impressed by: the professionalism of Dr. Nowak and Susann, the promptness of the operation and email communication before and after the surgery, the cleanliness of the facilities, the operation itself (I had minimal bruising and pain), and finally the great price (especially in comparison to medical prices in USA). I really could not be more happy with the great services that I have received by this team.

I came across Dr Nowak through the internet, after researching options I had for my big toe arthritis (hallux rigidus). I then got in touch with Susan who was my main point of contact pre and post operation. I had a Cartiva implant inserted early December 2018 and was told to start with mobility (limited by my pain threshold) immediately. So far, I am doing well with my recovery & could go back to some of my daily walks with the dog within 10 days. This would have been impossible with a fusion or wedge surgery! The healing process from the inside and soreness around the toe always takes a few months. Doing a lot of massage and stretching exercises is part of the rehabilitation process. My trust in Dr Nowak and his skills is high due to his years of positive experience with this procedure. I also asked his advice regarding my finger arthritis and he was honest enough to say that he would not recommend surgery/joint replacement due to the low success rate. What is key to my positive experience in the whole process, is the continued contact with Susan who has answered (& continues to answer) all questions almost immediately (via phone call or WhatsApp). That support is priceless. Every medical team needs such a person, especially for the after care! I would highly recommend Dr Nowak and his team.

Dr. Dirk Nowak hat mir ganz einfach die Angst vor einer Hallux valgus u. Krallenzehen - OP genommen. Er hat mich sehr gut über die Operationsmethode und den Ablauf der Operation aufgeklärt und dadurch Vertrauen geschaffen. Ich habe lange Jahre gezögert, panische Angst vor diesem Schritt gehabt und nun bin ich den 3. Tag operiert und bis jetzt ist alles so verlaufen, wie er es mir erklärt hat. Ich bin zuhause und sehe zuversichtlich dem Heilungsprozess entgegen. Das Praxisteam ist sehr zuvorkommend und die Organisation mit der Iatros - Klinik ist perfekt. Vielen Dank ! Ist alles verheilt, werde ich den nächsten Schritt wagen und den anderen Fuß ebenfalls Dr. Nowak anvertrauen.

I recommend, dr. Nowak and his team, for the way in which they are working. The experience was very good, even if I decided to do the surgery for both feet in the same time. I was informed from the begining about everything, verbally and written. They are very organized and everything was like we discussed. The clinic in which was the surgery done was very good too, I appreciated a lot the way in which the anesthesia was done and the way in which the anestesit has discussed with me before the surgery. I felt that I am on a good hands. I am happy because I did this and I recomend everyone who has this problem to choose dr. Nowak.

I had a problem with bunions almost all my life, since puberty. It is an annoying condition which is
progressively developing in to the stage where it’s almost crippling your body. Slowly, I watched my
large toes shift toward the second toes, and in the process, the joint in the big toe kept moving
outwards. The joint became inflamed and caused pain while walking, especially when ice-skating,
wearing those tight skates. The condition worsened most after each pregnancy and I have 3 kids.
Pain episodes become more frequent and lasted longer. Not to mention aesthetic problem, you
never are able to wear those pretty Italian shoes and I hated summer time when I would have to
wear flip-flops, I always had lack of confidence.
I knew it would be great to correct it, so I saw a number of orthopaedic foot surgeons.
Most of them advise me to not operate, because you must wear special shoes for ever afterwards
and even then, there’s only a 50% chance that surgery will be success. And I had bunions on both
feet.
With my lifestyle, working mother of 3 kids, I didn’t want to go through that route.
Doctors advised me to stop wearing heels to stop them getting worse and just live with it till they are
unbearable, and then do the surgery. And if too much pain to apply ice pack!
Anyone who has done bunion surgery traditional way, advise me not to do it. Some who have done
it experience was poisoned by a very painful recovery and significant immobility and have constant
inflammation and many other problems. And bunions returned after couple of years at some
patients! Because surgical option they been offered are bunionectomy, shaving off the enlarged
portion of the bone and bone will normally be growing back after some time.
So, I pretty much lost any hope that I will ever have wear nice shoes and prepared to live with
condition…until by chance I met Susann and Dr Nowak. I was on trip to Europe because my mother
was ill (I am living in Australia), and I travelled to Munich in Germany with my friends to visit our
colleague who lived there, and I got unbearable pain in both feet, couldn’t sleep whole night, I was
desperate. My holiday and family visit look like will be full disaster. My friend told me I should see
doctor and that she took me to European Foot Institute on Marienplatz in Munich. They examined
my feet, done x-ray and explained me procedure. I couldn’t believe that something like that exist!
So strait forward and so logical, I still wonder how all those smart specialists didn’t work out such a
fantastic solution for bunions. Still I was nervous, can you imagine you are so far from home and you
are about to do surgery on both feet, everybody said don’t do it, it’s complicated surgery, you won’t
be able to walk, all my plans interfered, etc…OMG
But Susann and Dr Nowak explained me, shown me the cases and it sounds so rational and I decided
to go ahead with surgery.
It was so easy, I had feeling it lasted just moment after Dr Casper, anaesthesiologist put me to sleep
and last thing I saw was Dr Nowak above my feet waving me and showing thumbs up. Next thing was
that I was looking at my wrapped feet and felt so good like I had good long night sleep. Nurse came
and offered me to drink and ask if I need to go to toilet. Amazingly, I stood on feet, and yes,
obviously you need to be careful how to walk, but I was so quick in walking, even nurse was
surprised. They offered me some of those fantastic German dishes and I had great time chatting with
Susann. My friends came to take me to hotel because I had to fly back to Bosnia tomorrow where I
had place to recover in my sister’s home. I had no pain whatsoever! That night in hotel slept so
good, Susann called me to find out how I feel, she was delighted that I was so positive and in good mood. I told her that was so easy, much easier then when visit dentist. I felt blessed, by God,
touched by angels, by destiny that turned my path and enabled me to meet those fantastic people.
I had feeling that will be great recovery and I finally sorted out huge health problem which bothered
me for years. And it was great recovery. It was funny on Munich airport, I had crouches, but I was so
mobile and carried around my bag too, wouldn’t believe I had surgery.
But also, I knew I must be careful with walking and taking medicine on time. When arrived at my
sister’s place I organised myself and decide to minimise walk for at least 7 days, I was using crouches
about 10 days and after it didn’t need it. I was wearing those special orthopaedic sandals which were
very comfortable and because of their design you felt somehow your feet are protected. Had pain,
just one night, third night after surgery, nothing terrible, similar like some normal bunion pain,
maybe just little harder, gone by next day. Susann was fantastic, she was always on the phone for
me asking how I was doing. Everything was so good, even my mum was better, so I was really
enjoying family and friend’s gathering again.
After 28 days I went to local orthopaedic surgent who remove wires with no pain whatsoever, I just
had some pulling feelings. I called Susann to tell her good news and she asked me to watch and be
careful next 15 days, not to wear high hill and try to walk in those sandals most of the time which I
love it anyway.
I went to visit Dr Nowak again just before my return to Australia, to check one more time how it was
healed. They done scan, Dr Nowak done examination and was very pleased with results and how it
was healed. Unfortunately, Susann was away at that time and I was not able to see her too, but I am
looking forward because my oldest daughter has same problem and she will do the same surgery in
near future.

I am so grateful to Dr Nowak, Susann and whole team of European Foot Clinic.
Thank you because you exist❤️

I would warmly recommend anyone who have bunion problem to contact immediately Dr Nowak and Ms Susann Parker and with full trust let Dr Nowak perform his Magic...after 28 days, like little Maremaid you will have new feet, one, you always suppose to have! 🌺💫💖

My mother had been having problems with her feet for a very long time and the constant pain she was suffering was making walking very hard to the point where she felt physically sick and faint, and finding comfortable shoes to wear also became a problem for her. After being referred to numerous specialists and having no positive outcome I came across European Foot institute leaflet and contacted them to see whether they would be able to help my mum. I spoke to Susann I explained the problems my mum was having and whether anything could be done? Susann asked for details about my mother and also requested she had a foot X-ray so they could have a clearer idea as to what was going on with my mothers toes. Once all this was done we was able to set up an appointment to meet Susann and Mr Nowak and we didn’t have to wait long. Upon arrival the receptionist at the laser and skin clinic in Worthing was friendly, kind and professional which help to put my mum at ease as she was quite nervous.
We didn’t have to wait long before Susann came and introduced herself and took us to meet Mr Nowak for my mother’s consultation. Mr Nowak and Susann spoke and explained all the treatment options that was available to my mum and what they thought would be the best option for her.We found them to be very professional, kind, supportive and considerate especially towards my mothers needs, finances and her other health problems.
My mother went in for her procedure the next day.
The level of care, support, professionalism, friendliness from Susann, Mr Nowak, receptionist and the surgery team was totally outstanding. I have never ever came across such amazing people who generally cared and worked very hard, who was consist in everything they did, the after care was outstanding.
The care and support didn’t just finish once my mum had her procedure done Susann remained in constant touch through out contacting regulary to see whether my mum was ok and if she had any problems etc.
The care and support from the staff at the Laser and skin clinic in Worthing was also outstanding and I would truly recommend European foot institute to any one that wanted outstanding, professional, friendly, supportive and value for money service they are truly exceptional people.

I would highly recommend Mr Nowak and his team. They were all extremely professional and clearly work very well together. From first contact to 6 weeks post surgery I cannot fault the care I have received from them. Susann is key to the process running smoothly and is excellent at what she does. She provides the most amazing support throughout. Mr Nowak is an excellent surgeon and the results speak for themselves. I’m so glad I found the European Foot Institute and have no regrets.

I went to see Dr. Nowak regarding my bunions and it was a wonderful experience! I will be back within a few months for the surgery.
I experienced professionalism from everyone in his office.
I would travel overseas any day for my health care needs if it were to be as good as this!
Thank you -

I had the web site for the European Foot Institute open on my IPad for 18months before plucking up the courage ! I needn’t have worried. Everything from the initial phone call right through to after care has been exemplary. Susann who is your contact is the most helpful , kindest and understanding person you will meet. Dr Nowak was extremely professional and did an amazing job on both my feet. I walked out the clinic as promised , yes I had pain for the first week but the medication provided helped with that. I did exactly as I was told which you need to do to enable the brilliant results they have achieved for me. The wires came out as straight as they should have done after 4 weeks. Keeping bandages and sandals on for a further 2 weeks ensured the healing continued. I am now walking normally in trainers and driving and back at work again . They are still a little painful as I get my muscles round my toes working again but that is to be expected and I know I have to be patient, at nearly 7 weeks later I will be looking to wear a normal shoe in the next week or so. I have been absolutely delighted with the whole experience and would have no hesitation in recommending the European Foot Institute