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

Hussen from Burundi

Dec 16, 2018

Hussen?s parents might be young, but they?ve proven to have wisdom beyond their years. When their son was born with clubfoot, they accepted him exactly as he was?a rarity in places like Burundi, where traditional beliefs still run strong. Even though they loved their...

Izza from Niger

Dec 16, 2018

Halima could handle the fact that her daughter Izza was born with clubfoot. She could handle the journey to Niamey for treatment?three days and two nights across more than 1500 kilometers of Nigerien desert. She could even handle that treatment for Izza would mean...

Germahiony from the DR

Dec 16, 2018

Many parents are shocked and confused when their child is born with clubfoot. It?s usually something they?ve never seen before. But for Jessy and Steffany, clubfoot was all too familiar. Jessy comes from a long line of clubfoot. Although he wasn?t born with it, but...