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

Grandma knows best

Grandma knows best

Oct 13, 2022

Nimrod in Kenya Dennis and Nancy come from a humble background in Kenya. With two children and no regular job, life can be difficult. The birth of their second child, Nimrod, should have been a joy for this family, but when he was born with clubfoot, it only added to...

Different backgrounds

Different backgrounds

Oct 13, 2022

Jokebed in Burkina Faso Nathalie and Elise come from two different ethnic groups in Burkina Faso. According to the local Burkinabe tradition, marriage is strictly forbidden between these two ethnic groups, and doing so could bring a curse on the family. But Nathalie...

A new perspective

A new perspective

Oct 6, 2022

Mohamed in Niger Like many moms who have a child with clubfoot, Salamatou was ashamed of her son's disability and hid his twisted feet with sheets. She would not even let close relatives know about his condition. But hiding feet is not a long-term solution....