Identifying methods for quantifying lower limb changes in children with idiopathic toe walking: A systematic review

Toe walking is commonly described as the lack of heel strike at the initial contact phase of the gait cycle. Although toe walking is regarded as a normal variation in gait development in children up to the age of three years [1], the maturation to ankle dorsiflexion at heel strike is usually completed by the age of five years [2,3]. Toe walking may be a consequence of a disease process, trauma or neurogenic influences [4]. Conditions known to cause or be associated with this gait type include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, autism spectrum disorders, global developmental delays, lower limb injury or tumours.
Source: Gait and Posture - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Source Type: research