Picture: A child in need of a wheelchair/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A woman from Mothanthanyaneng village, near Taung is in need of a wheelchair for her daughter (6). Boipelo Rajoele said her daughter was born with clubfoot and now she is disabled.
“My daughter is in need of a wheelchair and any kind of donations to buy it will be welcomed. Next year, she will be doing Grade 1 and she will be in need of a wheelchair.
“I am unemployed and taking care of her daily. I have to always carry her around and it is a struggle. No one is assisting us financially, so I want to go and look for a job,” she said.
According to www.nhs.uk, clubfoot is described as a range of foot abnormalities usually present at birth (congenital) in which your baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position. In clubfoot, the tissues connecting the muscles to the bone (tendons) are shorter than usual.
“Clubfoot is a fairly common birth defect and is usually an isolated problem for an otherwise healthy newborn. Clubfoot can be mild or severe. About half of children with clubfoot have it on both feet. If your child has clubfoot, it will make it harder to walk normally, so doctors generally recommend treating it soon after birth.
“Doctors are usually able to treat clubfoot successfully without surgery, though sometimes children need follow-up surgery later on. If your child has clubfoot, the top of the foot is usually twisted downward and inward, increasing the arch and turning the heel inward.”
The website says the foot may be turned so severely that it actually looks as if it’s upside down. It says the affected leg or foot may be slightly shorter.
“The calf muscles in the affected leg are usually underdeveloped. Despite its look, clubfoot itself doesn’t cause any discomfort or pain. More than likely your doctor will notice clubfoot soon after your child is born, based on appearance. Your doctor can advise you on the most appropriate treatment or refer you to a doctor who specializes in bone and muscle problems (pediatric orthopedist).”
*Anyone who would like to assist Boipelo Rajoele can contact her on 0630514087
The Guardian 