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

Mending feet and mending relationships

Mending feet and mending relationships

Jul 3, 2019

  Moussa in Niger One of the tragedies of clubfoot is the wedge it can drive between family relationships. The fear and shame often cause families to point fingers in blame or simply not talk about it. When Moussa was born with clubfoot, his parents hardly spoke...

Birhanu: Giving hope

Birhanu: Giving hope

Jul 3, 2019

Birhanu, a clinician in Ethiopia Few would call him a celebrity, but when Birhanu walks down the street, he sometimes gets noticed. People don't ask him for an autograph but instead, greet him with a smile and a wave. These are the children he has treated for clubfoot...

Clubfoot bonds two fathers in Ethiopia

Clubfoot bonds two fathers in Ethiopia

Jun 16, 2019

For 5-year-old Ramandon, his clubfoot not only brought two fathers together, it also may have saved his life thanks to the tenacity of his father Mohammed who stopped at nothing to get answers. ?When I saw the child, I knew I had to find the solution,? said Mohammed....