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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.

Be Part of the Solution

Stories from Our Families

It’s all in the name

It’s all in the name

Dec 13, 2024

Treasure in Rwanda Francine is the mother of six children, ages 18 to 1. She married at 15 and had three children with her husband, but after the third child, her husband left her, and she remained alone for 14 years.  Then she remarried, and things seemed to be going...

Planting Seeds

Planting Seeds

Nov 14, 2024

Saint Bethel in Burundi Saint Bethel is a little boy born with clubfoot, but his healing journey began two years before his birth.  When he was born, his mom, Francine, and dad, Salvator, were distraught with dark images of what their little boy’s life would be like....

Daddy’s Girl

Daddy’s Girl

Dec 18, 2024

Sarahi in Honduras Nolvin and his daughter Sarahi have a special bond. When she was born with clubfoot, he could not imagine her life in the mountainous region where they live in Honduras, knowing she would not be able to walk. But a wise aunt gave some advice to...