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 family affair

A family affair

Dec 17, 2020

Diego in HondurasFor Diego?s family in Honduras, clubfoot is nothing new. This little boy was born with the treatable birth defect and so was his mother and uncle. When Diego?s mom Blanca was treated for clubfoot, surgery was one of the few options at the time. Today,...

Praise in the face of terror

Praise in the face of terror

Dec 7, 2020

Nelito in Mozambique Recent terrorist attacks in the town of Montepuez in Mozambique caused Nelito and his family to lose everything, but they were able to find something praiseworthy in Nelito's healing! Nelito's parents, Zita and Ernesto, came to Montepuez as...

Earning her trust

Earning her trust

Dec 7, 2020

Yeabkal in EthiopiaTrust is something that must be earned. When Selamawit?s son Yeabkal was born with clubfoot, this Ethiopian mother did not trust that the physical therapists could straighten his feet. But as time went on and Yeabkal?s feet improved with each new...