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

Inspiring a Community

Inspiring a Community

Nov 17, 2025

Fiston in DRC When Delphine and her husband, Pitier, welcomed their son Fiston into the world, their joy turned quickly to worry. He was born with clubfoot, a condition they had never heard of before. “I was deeply shaken when my child was born,” Delphine said....

Hurtful Comments Can’t Stop Hope

Hurtful Comments Can’t Stop Hope

Jan 12, 2026

Methode in Burundi When Methode was born with clubfoot, his parents rejoiced, accepting their son with love and hope, despite his physical condition. But their community responded differently. People made hurtful remarks to his mother, Baravungwa, saying things like,...

Hope in His Mother’s Arms

Hope in His Mother’s Arms

Jan 9, 2026

Azael in Burkina Faso When baby Azael was born in Burkina Faso, his mother, Adele, couldn’t stop worrying. Her first child had come into the world with a clubfoot, and all the dreams she had for her baby’s future suddenly seemed uncertain. “I thought my son would...