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 problem too big for God

No problem too big for God

Feb 27, 2021

Mumbere in the Democratic Republic of the Congo At his birth, Mumbere?s physical problems were many, including spina bifida, hydrocephalus and clubfoot. Neighbors discouraged Mumbere?s parents by telling them their precious baby?s disabilities were too many to...

You don’t always get what you pay for

You don’t always get what you pay for

Feb 27, 2021

Deborah in Haiti There's a saying, "you get what you pay for." But in the case of Lumenie and her daughter Deborah in Haiti, they discovered that when it comes to clubfoot treatment, "free" is always best. Deborah was born with clubfoot and her mom Lumenie was taking...

Learning to forgive

Learning to forgive

Jan 28, 2021

Mike in Rwanda It's not unusual for parents of a child with clubfoot to be shunned by their neighbors and even their own family. What is unique is finding forgiveness in your heart through the treatment process. When Mike was born with clubfoot, his parents Jean Marie...