What is Toe Walking?

5. Idiopathic Toe Walking

Also called habitual toe walking, idiopathic toe walking means there are no medical problems that would cause the child to walk on their toes. Idiopathic toe walking occurs in about five to 12% of healthy children, yet researchers have not agreed on a cause. Some theorize that children who walk on their toes do so out of habit, but the research findings vary widely. Research also suggests a link between habitually walking on the toes and speech and language delays, and motor skill challenges and sensory processing issues can also contribute to this symptom. However, more recent findings indicate a connection between tight calf muscles and idiopathic toe walking, which can cause falls, trips, and pain in the legs and feet.