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.

Be Part of the Solution

Stories from Our Families

Clubfoot-free in Ethiopia

Apr 25, 2019

Scott Reichenbach, president of Hope Walks, recently visited Ethiopia. This is the third of three posts reflecting on what he saw there. After visiting our partner clubfoot clinic in Aksum, we traveled about an hour outside of town on a rutted dirt road, up and down,...

The people doing the work

Mar 27, 2019

Scott Reichenbach, president of Hope Walks, recently visited Ethiopia. This is the second of three posts reflecting on what he saw there. 1,100 km from the capital of Ethiopia, you?ll find the ancient city of Aksum, and in it, St. Mary?s Hospital. Hope Walks supports...

Inside a clinic in Ethiopia

Mar 16, 2019

Scott Reichenbach, president of Hope Walks, recently visited Ethiopia. This is the first of three posts reflecting on what he saw there. We visited a clinic 1100km from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. We met 14 families there on a Thursday morning in January. In...