For Parents

 

Clubfoot information

What is clubfoot?

Clubfoot is a deformity present at birth that twists the foot downward and inward, making walking difficult or impossible. While it cannot be prevented, it can be corrected using a relatively inexpensive treatment process called the Ponseti method.

Read more about Clubfoot

Can it be treated?

Yes, clubfoot can be treated! We adhere to treatment through the Ponseti method, the gold standard of clubfoot treatment. The treatment phase involves weekly casting for four to eight weeks and, in most cases, a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure to lengthen the Achilles tendon, called a tenotomy. After this, in the maintenance phase, children wear a foot abduction brace for 23 hours a day for three months, and then at night and nap time until the age of five. Children born with clubfoot can take their first steps on completely straight feet thanks to early intervention and to this relatively simple, cost-effective treatment method.

Where can I get help?

We currently operate partner clubfoot clinics in 16 countries in Africa and Latin America. Click the “find a clinic” button below to see if there is a Hope Walks partner clubfoot clinic near you. If not, please contact us and we’ll do our best to refer you to someone who can help.

Find a Clinic

Parent Education Tool

A guide for parents of children with clubfoot. Download in your language.

English
Amharic
Chinchewa
Creole
French
Kinyarwanda
Kirundi
Portuguese
Spanish
Swahili

Video Resources

Hope Walks has been working in partnership with Medical Aid Films to create four films about clubfoot and the Ponseti method of treatment. These films are used to train parent advisors, as well as an educational tool for parents. Videos (with and without English/French subtitles) are available for streaming or download by clicking the images below. Currently the videos are in English, French and Portuguese. Within the next few weeks, Spanish, Amharic and Kinyarwanda translations will be available.

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Stories from Our Families

A Father’s Hope Restored

A Father’s Hope Restored

Sep 11, 2026

Benjamin in Burkina Faso When Benjamin was born with clubfoot in a rural farming community in Burkina Faso, his parents, Benjamin and Therese, faced more than a medical challenge. They faced rejection. Neighbors whispered that clubfoot was a curse. One childhood...

From Stares to Steps

From Stares to Steps

Oct 19, 2026

Adhemar in Burundi Nyandwi didn’t hear about her newborn son’s clubfoot from a doctor. Instead, the news came from a close friend, her former maid of honor, in a room filled with her husband, mother and mother-in-law. The sudden shock and disbelief hung heavy in the...

Transforming Two Lives with Kindness and Early Care

Transforming Two Lives with Kindness and Early Care

Aug 20, 2026

Keylla in Zambia When Hellen gave birth to her daughter, Keylla, she was met with a diagnosis she had never seen before. No one in her family had ever had clubfoot, and there was no one she could ask for guidance. "I could not believe my eyes because there is no one...