Idiopathic toe walking and contractures of the triceps surae.
Toe walking is a common feature in immature gait and is considered normal up to 3 years of age. As walking ability improves, initial contact is made with the heel. Toe-walkers will stand out as different once heel-strike is achieved by most of their peers. This difference gives rise to parental concern. Therefore toe-walkers are often referred at 3 years of age. This article examines the evidence for the management of children who have idiopathic toe walking and reviews the literature on surgery for the lengthening of a calf contracture.
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 5XX,UK. matthewsolan1@aol.com
Matthew C
MC
Solan
Julie
J
Kohls-Gatzoulis
Michael M
MM
Stephens
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003286:Contracture / Q000150:complications*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal