This is not a formal or recognized diagnosis; rather, it is simply a term indicating that there is no identifiable reason or cause for the toe walking at that time.

[7][8] In a recent study, 68% of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder report experiencing walking changes.

[12] Idiopathic toe walking spontaneously disappears over the years in the majority of cases and is most often not associated with a motor or cognitive issue.

In order for it to be considered idiopathic, the child's medical history should be clear of any neurological, orthopedic, or neuro-psychiatric conditions including other gait abnormalities.

The Alvarez's classification identifies the severity of the toe walking based upon kinematics and ankle rockers.

[19] The Pomarino classification identifies the toe walking according to the individual's specific characteristics and characterizes them into three types based on the signs presented.

One study suggests that the toe walking—sometimes called an equinus gait—associated with cerebral palsy presents with an abnormally short medial and lateral gastrocnemius and soleus—the primary muscles involved in plantarflexion.

Family physicians, neurologists, orthopaedic surgeons, pediatricians, physical therapists, physiotherapists and podiatrists are all commonly consulted.