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 Long and Winding Road

A Long and Winding Road

Apr 8, 2025

Lenco in Ethiopia In the mountainous city of the Oromia region, a brave family embarked on a journey that would change their lives forever. Their second child was born with clubfoot, a condition that left them heartbroken and unsure of what to do. The child's father...

A Journey of Resilience and Hope

A Journey of Resilience and Hope

Mar 25, 2025

Hayder in Mozambique Hayder’s journey began with challenges from the moment he was born. After a difficult labor and emergency cesarean at Maputo Central Hospital, his parents, Silvia and Mahando, were devastated to learn that their son had inhaled impurities,...

A Family’s Unwavering Hope

A Family’s Unwavering Hope

Mar 25, 2025

Aubin in Rwanda When Angelique first held her newborn son, Aubin, she felt an overwhelming wave of love—but it was quickly shadowed by whispers from her community. “Your child is disabled,” some said. Others claimed he was cursed. In the heart of Rwanda, where...