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

Going against the flow

Going against the flow

Dec 9, 2019

Chour?me in Niger Standing up against your family and neighbors is never easy, but sometimes it is the only option you have, especially when it comes to taking care of your child.? When Chour?me was born with clubfoot, his father?s family accused the mother of being...

Trading snake oil for true healing

Trading snake oil for true healing

Dec 3, 2019

Godwin was born in Benin in February of this year. His father is a cleaner in a small restaurant and his mother is unemployed. This young family had no idea their child would be born with a disability. But there was precious little Godwin with two twisted feet. His...

The truth will set you free

The truth will set you free

Oct 31, 2019

Boko in Benin When her son Boko was born with bilateral clubfoot, Genevieve was not given any explanation about the condition. She hid the deformity from her husband because she was afraid of what his reaction would be.? She only confided in Boko?s two grandmothers...