Children born with clubfoot are not left without hope.
This condition, caused by a shortened Achilles tendon, is a foot deformity that makes walking difficult or impossible.
However, non-surgical treatment has been proven to reverse the condition. This method of treatment, known as the Ponseti method, was highlighted on 3 March in commemoration of World Birth Defects Day.
Because congenital anomalies are still regarded with suspicion around the world, it is hoped that the conditions can be destigmatised through awareness campaigns.
Steps Clubfoot Care, a non-profit organisation, is raising much-needed awareness about clubfoot in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania and Seychelles.
Karen Mara Moss founded the organisation in 2005 when her son was born with clubfoot.
“The condition results in one or both feet twisting inward and pointing downward,” said Moss.
“When my child was born with this condition, I felt very alone. It took a great deal of research to find the Ponseti method, and a great deal of investment to have my son treated in America. It became my passion not only to bring this treatment method back to South Africa, but to prioritise patient support.”
Moss established the organisation with the goal of introducing and promoting the non-invasive Ponseti method of clubfoot treatment in Southern Africa and supporting families going through treatment.
Last year alone, 709 new patients were enrolled in the clubfoot treatment programme.
“The national network of 35 South African partner clinics treated 2 902 patients and undertook 11 161 clubfoot clinic patient appointments.”
About 11 000 children in Southern Africa are born with clubfoot every year.
“In the past, many of these children were regarded with superstition and fear, and some were forced to live a life of disability,” she said.
“While this still occurs, there is increasing awareness around the world that this condition is not caused by the parents. It can be very effectively treated, and these children can go on to live active, productive lives with full mobility.”
- The Ponseti method is a specific technique of manipulation of the deformity, followed by the application of a plaster cast with the foot in the corrected position.
