Early treatment remains critical in correcting clubfoot, a congenital condition where a child is born with one or both feet twisted inward, medical experts have said.
According to Tharis Kambe, Clinic Coordinator at Moi County Referral Hospital in Voi, the condition can be successfully treated through a structured process that gradually corrects the position of the foot.
Kambe explained that treatment begins with a stage known as casting, where the child’s leg is wrapped with a plaster cast to slowly move the foot into the correct position.
“The first stage is casting where we wrap the leg with a plaster so that it can be positioned in a way that facilitates correction,” she said.
She noted that the plaster is changed weekly, with most children undergoing between four and six castings, meaning the process usually takes about four to six weeks.
After the casting stage, the child undergoes a minor medical procedure known as tenotomy. Kambe explained that this involves a small operation on the tendon to release tight tissues and allow proper movement of the foot.
She said the procedure also helps prevent the condition from recurring once correction has been achieved.
The final stage is the maintenance phase where the child is required to wear special braces or corrective shoes. During the first three months, the braces are worn both day and night before the child continues wearing them at night until the age of five.
Medical experts note that when treatment begins early and parents follow the recommended steps, most children are able to grow and walk normally without long-term disability.
The explanation came as healthcare workers from across Taita Taveta County gathered in Mwatate for a two-day training on clubfoot detection, treatment and community awareness.
The two-day-training targets nurses, rehabilitation staff and Community Health Promoters (CHPs) from health facilities across the county and aims to strengthen early identification and referral of children born with the condition.
The program is sponsored by Clubfoot Care for Kenya (CCK), a Hope Walks partner, in partnership with CURE Kenya and CBM Global Disability Inclusion.
Organizers say the training is also equipping health workers with skills to educate communities about the condition and encourage parents to seek early treatment for affected children.
