World Clubfoot Day

World Clubfoot Day on June 3rd commemorates the birthday of Dr. Ignacio Ponset who is the developer of the Ponseti Method.

Every year, on June 3rd, World Clubfoot Day unites those affected by clubfoot so they can inspire and encourage each other. This is also a day to spread awareness about this common birth defect.

History of World Clubfoot Day

Each year, up to 200,000 babies globally are born with clubfoot. This statistic makes clubfoot one of the most common birth defects in the world. This deformity occurs when a baby's foot turns inward and downward. Clubfoot develops during the formation of a baby's bones, ligaments, and muscles in the womb. Children with clubfoot can have mild or severe cases. In the most severe cases, a child's feet appear to be upside down. In more than half of clubfoot cases, both feet are affected.

If left untreated, clubfoot can cause many complications. These complications include arthritis and an inability to walk normally. Children with clubfoot may also struggle with a poor self-image. To avoid these complications, patients usually start treatment after delivery.

One of the effective forms of clubfoot treatment is called the Ponseti method. This treatment option involves placing a cast on the foot to hold the foot in a specific position. Each week, the foot is repositioned and recast. The repositioning and repositioning of the foot is repeated over several months. Towards the end of the procedure, surgeons will perform a minor surgery to lengthen the Achilles tendon. After this whole process, the baby wears special shoes and braces for up to three years until the position of the foot is fully corrected. If the Ponseti method doesn't work, a more invasive type of surgery may be needed.

Treatment can help babies born with clubfoot live a fully active life. However, many children around the world do not have access to clubfoot treatment. In some countries, children with untreated clubfoot are excluded from society. They cannot study and may not be able to work. In some cases, the community also ostracized the mother, blaming her for the child's deformity.

The Ponseti International Association (abbreviation as PIA) was the creator of World Clubfoot Day in 2013. They chose June 3rd to honor Dr. Ignacio Ponseti's birthday. He is the chiropractor who developed the Ponseti method.

How to celebrate World Clubfoot Day

Many events are held on this day to help families with clubfoot meet, connect, and support each other. Many hospitals, foot and ankle specialists, and healthcare organizations also host educational presentations and seminars. Participated in:

• If you or a family member has to face with clubfoot, let share your story on social media.
• Read about celebrities who were born with the club, such as Dudley Moore, Troy Aikman and Kristi Yamaguchi.
• Donate to Hope Walks or another organization that provides clubfoot treatment to people in low-income countries.

Spread awareness of this day on social media with #WorldClubfootDay