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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

No more hiding

No more hiding

Feb 16, 2024

Chira in Rwanda Finding treatment early dramatically increases the chance of successfully correcting a child’s feet born with clubfoot. Ideally, treatment starts within a few weeks or even days of birth. Medical professionals can completely straighten the feet within...

Knowledge gives strength

Knowledge gives strength

Feb 5, 2024

Carlson in Mozambique Carlson was born in Mozambique and is the youngest in his family. When Carlson was born at Matola Gare Health Center, the nurse informed his parents that he had clubfoot. His mother, Linda, was filled with embarrassment but also comforted at the...

You can go home again

You can go home again

Feb 5, 2024

Pierre in Burkina Faso Emilienne and Naraogo moved to the Ivory Coast from Burkina Faso to make a better life for themselves. But when their little boy Pierre was born with clubfoot, neighbors told the family to return to Burkina Faso to make sacrifices to remove the...