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 mother’s cry

A mother’s cry

Aug 5, 2025

Samuel in Mozambique When Marta first held her newborn son, Samuel, her joy was quickly replaced by heartbreak. A nurse gently told her that Samuel had been born with a foot deformity. Tears streamed down her face as she cried out to God, “Why is this happening to...

From Diagnosis to Hope

From Diagnosis to Hope

Jul 10, 2025

Enzo in Mozambique When baby Enzo was born, his parents were filled with the joy that every new life brings. But their celebration was soon shadowed by an unexpected diagnosis—congenital clubfoot in both feet. To make matters more difficult, Enzo also developed...

Like Her World had Fallen Apart

Like Her World had Fallen Apart

Jul 10, 2025

Layha in the Dominican Republic When little Layha entered the world, her parents were met not only with joy, but also with shock and sorrow. Born with clubfoot on her right foot, their dreams of seeing her run and play seemed to shatter in an instant. Her mother...