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

One good piece of advice

One good piece of advice

Aug 1, 2022

Guy in Burundi Jacqueline’s experience of giving birth to her son was anything but usual. This young mom in her teens went into labor around midnight. Not too unusual. Babies often come late in the night. But in her remote village, Jacqueline had no way to get to the...

Seeing double

Seeing double

Aug 1, 2022

David and Danny in DRC Having twin babies is hard enough. Now image those two twins were born with clubfoot. That’s what Bene was dealing with when her two sons David and Danny were both born with this common birth defect in the Democratic Republic of the Congo....

Faith over fear

Faith over fear

Jul 6, 2022

Bilhah in Kenya Fear and doubt gripped the hearts of Sarah and Japheth after their daughter Bilhah was born with clubfoot. Unsure how to care for their little girl, Bilhah’s parents feared treatment would be expensive and spent time doubting the success of the healing...