[Toe walking--follow or treat?].

Idiopathic toe walking refers to continual or intermittent symmetrical gait pattern, in which the normal heel strike is lacking and the weight of the gait is on the ball of the foot. Many toe walkers are able to walk normally if they so wish. Diagnosis is established by excluding any neurological, neuromuscular, structural and orthopedic causes. Toe walkers often exhibit problems in sensory integration. Idiopathic toe walking is considered a benign phenomenon, usually self-limiting before school age, but upon becoming prolonged it may cause physical and social handicap for the child.