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

No more shame

No more shame

Jun 24, 2021

Isabelle in Togo Like so many children born with clubfoot, Isabelle's family was seen as cursed. Her neighbors even said the family practiced witchcraft. Fortunately, one of the neighbors visited Lomé and brought back the good news that clubfoot can be treated by the...

Finding a family through healing

Finding a family through healing

Jun 18, 2021

Sahda in Ethiopia When Sahda was born, his mother and father had different perspectives on how to treat their son’s clubfoot. His father, Siraj, thought that he would be healed without seeking medical treatment. However, his mother, Seada, wanted to get help for her...

Freedom From Clubfoot

Freedom From Clubfoot

Jun 9, 2021

Clever in Rwanda At 5 years old, Clever is an active child. He runs, jumps and plays like other kids his age. In fact, his life seems so normal now that it is hard to believe that he was actually born with clubfoot.  Living in a culture that vilifies physical...