First global clubfoot conference set to be held in Cape Town

THE first global clubfoot conference will be held next week as apart of Disability Awareness Month, after being delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Clubfoot is the most common birth defect globally. The affected babies are born with one or both feet twisted downwards and inwards in a rigid position. The condition can be successfully treated, but failure to do so means the person will not wear shoes or walk normally, and this can lead to permanent disability.

CEO and founder of Steps Clubfoot Care Karren Moss said her son was born with clubfoot and was the reason she decided to start Steps so she can help other children in South Africa and beyond.

After the successful treatment of her son, Alex, she introduced the non-invasive method to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Seychelles. Alex is now 19 and a happy and fully active man.

The Ponseti method used on Alex is a non-surgical approach that uses casts and braces to help the child’s foot function normally and is used globally.

Extended scope physiotherapist in paediatric orthopaedic, Denise Watson said clubfoot is more common in boys and affects both feet in 50% of cases.

She also said the conference being held in South Africa was a remarkable achievement for Moss and Steps SA.

“I do not think that clubfoot has to be seen as a disability if the child receives the correct treatment in infancy. I have recently reviewed an 18-year-old patient of mine who has run marathons and is now joining the army. That is testament to a good result.”

The conference will have speakers from not fewer than 18 countries. It will be held at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business and Conference Centre on Monday. Anyone is allowed to attend, either in-person or virtually. For more information about the conference visit https://clubfootafrica.com