Walking is something most people take for granted, but for some children with hip and foot problems, shortened or missing limbs, walking is only possible after expert medical treatment. Without the correct treatment and follow-up, long-term problems such as arthritis and joint replacements are inevitable. (click on image to zoom)

There is a severe lack of awareness, information and support for babies and children with lower limb disorders. Parents are worried, frightened and want to do the best for their baby born with a hip or lower limb disorder.

Some doctors give parents incorrect or incomplete advice which can have long-term effects on a child's quality of life. Babies are having unnecessary surgery. Children are growing up with badly-formed or painful feet, limps, untreated clubfeet or hip dysplasia, and the risk of further complications like arthritis as they get older.

More doctors in South Africa need updated information on treatment, health department guidelines need changing and parents need easy access to the correct information. This is what Steps is planning to improve the future of our children.
Children living in rural areas or in depressed socio-economic conditions are not getting adequate care or information. Some examples:

CASE HISTORY 1: A mother in Richards Bay - Her 3 month old baby born with clubfoot has had casts on his legs since birth, his feet are not straight and the doctor wants to do surgery. There are doctors in Johannesburg who can correct his feet without surgery. She has to pay to travel from Richards Bay and stay in Johannesburg for 3 weeks with her baby to get the right treatment. Steps Charity is providing accommodation, but does not have the funds to assist with transport. The grandparents are providing financial support to avoid surgery.

CASE HISTORY 2: A mother in Johannesburg - a single mother of a baby girl successfully treated for clubfoot with the Ponseti Method at the Johannesburg General Hospital. She had subsidised treatment at the hospital, but was not covered by medical aid and didn't have the R1,200.00 to pay for the corrective splint (shoes attached to a bar) that are a vital part of the treatment to prevent the feet relapsing. Steps Charity arranged for a donated splint from an orthotics company. There is a need to provide shoes for many more rural and disadvantaged children struggling with badly made or set up splints - or none at all.