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

A Holistic Approach

A Holistic Approach

Mar 13, 2026

Kihembo in DRC Holistic support—emotional, spiritual, social, and physical—enables not only healing for a child with clubfoot, but also for the entire family. Kihembo’s family experienced deep despair and a sense of helplessness regarding their son’s condition. They...

The Significance of Support

The Significance of Support

Feb 13, 2026

Boniface in Kenya Tobias and Everline’s simple, happy life was flipped upside down when their son, Boniface, was born with clubfoot. Once rooted deeply in their community, the family began hearing rumors about Boniface’s condition being a curse. These painful...

Try, Try Again

Try, Try Again

Feb 3, 2026

Lian in the Dominican Republic When his parents first saw Lian’s clubfoot, they thought it was beyond repair. But they still sought treatment. An initial round of treatment didn’t correct Lian’s condition. His doctor then referred the family to a Hope Walks partner...