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

Breaking the Curse

Breaking the Curse

May 14, 2026

(Left to right) Aytenew before treatment, in casts and after casting was completed.Aytenew in Ethiopia When the community said a curse caused Aytenew to be born with clubfoot, his parents believed them. For almost a year, they questioned what they had done wrong to be...

Transporting Hope

Transporting Hope

Apr 20, 2026

Amissi in Burundi Blandine and Samson asked themselves what many parents ask when their child is born with clubfoot: Did we do something wrong to end up with a child with a disability? Their third son, Amissi, was born with clubfoot, and they didn’t understand what it...

Full of Dreams and Goals

Full of Dreams and Goals

Apr 20, 2026

Anderson in the Dominican Republic Anderson is a typical teenager, finishing high school with dreams and goals and enjoying life like any other young person. But his clubfoot journey began when he was only one month old. For six months, Anderson received unsuccessful...