Health 4 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandan Hospitals Offer Hope for Children with Clubfoot
Despite lingering superstitions, Ugandan hospitals are successfully treating clubfoot, offering a path to restored mobility for affected children through specialized care. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-hospitals-are-restoring-legs-of-clubfooted-children-5546218
Clubfoot, a congenital condition causing feet to turn inward or downward, continues to be misunderstood by some in Uganda, with parents often attributing it to superstition or witchcraft. However, medical professionals are working to dispel these myths and provide effective treatment.
Mulago National Referral Hospital and other facilities are at the forefront of these efforts, employing the Ponseti method, a non-surgical technique that has proven highly successful globally. This method involves applying a series of casts and minor surgical procedures to gradually correct the foot’s position.
The Ponseti method typically begins within the first few weeks of a child’s life. It involves manipulating the foot and then applying a long leg cast to hold it in the corrected position. This casting process is repeated weekly, with adjustments made as the foot gradually moves towards a more natural alignment. In many cases, a minor surgical procedure to lengthen the Achilles tendon is required towards the end of the casting cycle.
Following the casting and surgery, children are fitted with special shoes and braces. These orthotic devices are crucial for maintaining the correction and preventing the condition from recurring. Consistent use of these braces, especially during sleep, is vital for long-term success.
Medical teams emphasize the importance of early intervention and parental compliance. When parents understand the condition and adhere to the treatment plan, the outcomes are overwhelmingly positive, enabling children to walk, run, and lead active lives, free from the limitations imposed by untreated clubfoot.