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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.

Be Part of the Solution

Stories from Our Families

Hope for the Future

Hope for the Future

Jul 3, 2024

Nawa in Zambia Nawa was born into a loving family in Ndola New Hillcrest in Zambia. Her father, Manifred, is a caretaker and farmer who is very invested in his daughter. Manifred and his wife, Catherine, were unsure of what to do when they realized that their daughter...

Answered Prayers

Answered Prayers

Apr 23, 2024

Peniel in Burundi When Peniel was born with clubfoot, his parents immediately recognized the condition because Peniel’s aunt also has clubfoot. However, the family did not know a treatment for clubfoot existed because the aunt’s clubfoot was never treated. When Peniel...

One mom’s tenacity

One mom’s tenacity

Apr 2, 2024

Mahamadou in Niger We cannot overstate the role moms play in the treatment process for their child born with clubfoot. Often, the tenacity of the moms to protect their children makes all the difference in the child's life. So was the case for Mariama when her son...