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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

One family’s hope

One family’s hope

Dec 9, 2022

Jihane in Niger Parents want nothing more than to help their children. Jihane was born with clubfoot and another syndromic problem, which makes her unable to sit up even at seven months old. She is the fourth child of Balkissa and Moussa; however, their firstborn...

A saving tragedy

A saving tragedy

Dec 9, 2022

Aklilu in Ethiopia Sometimes we never know how God turns our sadness into happiness or our questions into answers. What had happened in Aklilu's family that made their sorrowful situation full of questions turn into joy? Aklilu's mother Bekelech had two children from...

It’s all about the right focus

It’s all about the right focus

Dec 3, 2022

Photo caption: Bruce is a recent graduate of the clubfoot program in Burundi. Today he is walking free of disability and playing soccer (or football) with his friends at school.By Scott Reichenbach Right now, much of the world has its attention focused on the World...