A journey of first steps

As part of our mission to showcase the many facets of our healing journey, we’d like to introduce you to our clubfoot patients-in-waiting.

In the Global North, widespread awareness of clubfoot means this condition is often caught in infancy, when it is easy to remedy.

When treated early,  the Ponseti method is best: a gentle corrective casting that repositions the feet without surgery.

In Tanzania, stigma surrounding disability means many of our clubfoot patients are older children who have already learned to walk - often in pain - on their inwardly turned feet.

Their healing journey is longer, harder, and involves surgery.

While the medical term for these cases is 'neglected clubfoot,' we prefer the term 'clubfoot in walking age.'

This language reflects our commitment to empowering parents with understanding and encouragement, ensuring they feel supported rather than blamed.

Children with clubfoot in walking age spend an average of 6 months at Kafika House.

Treatment begins with surgery that involves cutting or lengthening tight Achilles tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules to allow for more flexible movement of the foot.

Sometimes, bones may need to be realigned or reshaped too: a tibial osteotomy entails cutting and repositioning the shin bone to improve the foot’s alignment.

After surgery, a cast keeps the foot in position while everything heals.

After 6-8 weeks, physiotherapy begins to help to strengthen muscles, improve range of motion, and increase flexibility - in essence, learning to walk again on two fully functional feet.

It’s a long journey, but we’re here to walk it with them, every step of the way.