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.

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.

Parent Education Tool

A guide for parents of children with clubfoot. Download in your language.

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.

Stories from Our Families

Seven-year-old Fresno resident raises seeds of hope during pandemic

Seven-year-old Fresno resident raises seeds of hope during pandemic

Aaron England is like a lot of other 7-year-old boys. He spends time playing outside with friends, riding his bike and swimming. But unlike many kids his age, Aaron is devoting much of his time these days for a special project to raise money to help kids around the...

Hope Walks expands clubfoot operations into 17th country

Hope Walks expands clubfoot operations into 17th country

Dillsburg, PA (May 18, 2020) ? Hope Walks, a non-profit that treats children with clubfoot in Latin America and Africa, has announced it will be starting a partner clinic in its 17th country, Sudan, in the Fiscal Year 2021.? The new clinic will be in partnership with...

Mission Possible

Mission Possible

COVID & Clubfoot - Stories from the front lines Clinics in Burkina Faso recently started getting their foot abduction braces from Niger, but then the pandemic hit. With travel restrictions in place over most international borders due to COVID-19, getting the...