Online Reporter
Health Reporter
The Ministry of Health and Child Care says clubfoot, a birth defect in which a baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position, is a treatable condition that requires attention at an early stage.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care said they thrive to eliminate disability resulting from clubfoot.
“Treatment includes the Ponseti method, a weekly treatment where the child will be put in plaster casts for 6-8 weeks followed by a tenotomy. This is a small procedure done using local anaesthetic and afterwards the feet will be cast in plaster for three weeks,” said the Ministry in a statement.
After this procedure will be the bracing stage which happens in two phases, firstly the child wears the brace up to three months for 23 hours a day and lastly wears the brace every night time and sleep time for 12-14 hours a day until the child is four to five years of age.
“Most Children with Ponseti treated clubfoot will learn to walk, run and play as well as wear normal shoes just like any other child. Clubfoot is not caused by witchcraft, any action or inaction by either parent,” they added.
The encouraged parents to seek treatment early for affected children by visiting Rehabilitation Departments at the following Hospitals: Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Mpilo, Sally Mugabe, United Bulawayo Hospital, Chitungwiza, Bindura, Chinhoyi, Gwanda, Gweru, Marondera, Masvingo, Mutare and Tsholotsho hospitals in Zimbabwe.
UBH is one of the pioneers who use the Posenti Method of clubfoot treatment in the country.
