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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

Out from despair

Out from despair

Jun 30, 2023

Merceline in Kenya You welcome your newborn daughter into the world on a happy, joyous day, only for it to be quickly clouded by confusion, fear, and despair. Your daughter is born with a disability previously unknown to you - her future uncertain, her new life...

Hope Walks crosses 150K milestone

Hope Walks crosses 150K milestone

May 26, 2023

Can you think of a better way to celebrate World Clubfoot Day, June 3?  A list of kids' names whose lives have been changed after more than 17 years of clubfoot treatment would take up a lot of space. But one name stands out - Hulgize. This little boy from Ethiopia...

World Birth Defects Day – March 3

World Birth Defects Day – March 3

Mar 2, 2023

World Birth Defects Day, March 3, to raise awareness with one voice Birth defects affect nearly 8 million infants every year, or 6% of all babies. This includes around 180,000 babies who are born each year with clubfoot. Clubfoot is one of the most common congenital...