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

A Strong Woman of God

A Strong Woman of God

May 6, 2021

Chisomo in Malawi When a child is born with clubfoot, challenges abound not just for the child, but also for the parents. Some parents may have adverse reactions to the condition, while others may use it as an opportunity for growth. This is certainly true in the case...

Caleb in Togo

Caleb in Togo

May 6, 2021

Caleb in Togo Things could not have been more challenging for Fougue when her son Caleb was born with clubfoot. This mother without a job was abandoned by her husband and her in-laws refused to acknowledge that Caleb was their grandson. Fougue took Caleb to a...

Clubfoot treatment is eternal

Clubfoot treatment is eternal

May 3, 2021

Elielle in Burkina Faso If you ask any Hope Walks staff member why they joined the organization, you may get a different answer. For Elielle, the counseling coordinator for the Burkina Faso clubfoot program, her answer is simple. “It gives me the opportunity to save...