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

Lightning strikes twice

Lightning strikes twice

Sep 3, 2019

Elysee in Rwanda Having one child who had clubfoot was hard enough. When their second boy, Elysee, also was born with clubfoot, hearts sank for his parents Theophile and Muhoracyeye.? The parents knew the challenges ahead of them even though their first son was...

New York Times columnist applauds clubfoot treatment

New York Times columnist applauds clubfoot treatment

Aug 7, 2019

The New York Times columnist and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Nicholas Kristof recently gave a shout out to Hope Walks in his regular email newsletter that goes to thousands of subscribers. We appreciate the recognition of the work our partner clinics are doing to...

No challenge too big

No challenge too big

Jul 31, 2019

  Thomas in Kenya Benson and Lydia waited patiently for six years for the arrival of their first child Thomas. When he was born with clubfoot, their joy was replaced with fear as they wondered whether their son would ever walk. But after they realized that there...