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

Call the midwife

Call the midwife

Dec 6, 2021

Ibrahim in Burkina Faso Boukare and Safieta were devastated when their son Ibrahim was born with twisted feet. At that time, they had no idea it was clubfoot. Hiding his feet when visitors came to their home became a common practice. But a midwife in their village...

More than a date on the calendar

More than a date on the calendar

Dec 3, 2021

By Scott Reichenbach Hope Walks president and co-founder In my role as the president of Hope Walks, It breaks my heart when I see a young teen or adult with untreated clubfoot. Too often they are begging on the street. Not in school. Unemployed. Too often their family...

A story of Blessing

A story of Blessing

Nov 8, 2021

Blessing in Kenya Carol is a young woman who lives with untreated clubfoot in Kenya. When her daughter Blessing also was born with this birth defect, she was devastated. But out of despair grew hope for Blessing's future. Unable to get the help she needed, Carol's...