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

Makeover for Life

Makeover for Life

Mar 9, 2020

Hope Walks board member Natalie Weakly knows a little something about makeovers. As an image and brand consultant with her company Signature Style, she helps people make a great first impression every day. But as a mom with a daughter who had clubfoot, she is much...

Hope Walks Accredited by National Financial Accountability Organization

Hope Walks Accredited by National Financial Accountability Organization

Feb 27, 2020

The ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) announced recently the accreditation of Hope Walks of Mechanicsburg, PA. ECFA accreditation is based on the ECFA Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship?, including financial accountability, transparency,...

Sometimes our vision is limited

Sometimes our vision is limited

Feb 12, 2020

Vicky in DR Congo     When Mireille saw her son Vicky for the first time with his right foot twisted due to clubfoot, she imagined that surgery would be the only possible way to correct his condition. The thought of surgery on her sweet little boy stole away...