Idiopathic toe‐walking: a review

The Neuronal Group Selection Theory: a framework to explain variation in normal motor development

“…It could be hypothesized that children with idiopathic toe-walking, whose motor development becomes only remarkable after the onset of independent locomotion, show a deficit in the process of selection. Due to unknown, perhaps genetic factors, they do not choose the heel-strike pattern, but select the tip-toe type of walking 73 .…”

Spastic diplegia with nonperinatal asphyxia in pediatric population

“…It can be seen in both only normal children under the age of 2 years, as well as patients with spastic diplegia due to Achilles tendon contracture or neurodevelopmental abnormalities such as autism. 22 Idiopathic toe-walking is a diagnosis of exclusion. In such instance neurological examination is usually benign and the patient is able to walk and run at normal velocities.…”

“…In such instance neurological examination is usually benign and the patient is able to walk and run at normal velocities. 22 Most children with idiopathic toe-walking are able to walk normally with physical therapy 22 Strong family history is suggested. 23 …”

Prevalence of associated diagnoses in children who present with toe walking

“…Diagnoses associated with toe walking include cerebral palsy, myopathies, neuropathies, spinal dysraphism, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [2]. When other diagnoses are excluded as the cause of toe walking, children are given a diagnosis of idiopathic toe walking [3].…”