Rickets

What is Rickets?
Rickets is the softening and weakening of bones in children, usually due to an extreme and prolonged Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus; without it, bones cannot maintain proper strength.

While often caused by diet or lack of sunlight, some cases are due to genetic conditions. If caught early, dietary changes can correct bone problems, but severe skeletal deformities may require surgery.

Symptoms

Rickets softens the growth plates at the ends of a child's bones. Signs include:

• Delayed Growth: The child may be shorter than average.
• Bone Pain: Pain in the spine, pelvis, and legs.
• Muscle Weakness: Decreased muscle tone.

Skeletal Deformities

• Bowed Legs: An exaggerated outward curvature of the legs.
• Thickened Wrists and Ankles: Joints appear larger than normal.
• Breastbone Projection: Also known as "pigeon chest."

⚠️ WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Talk to your pediatrician immediately if your child develops bone pain, muscle weakness, or obvious skeletal deformities like bowed legs.

Causes

Your body needs Vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. Rickets occurs if a child's body doesn't get enough Vitamin D or has problems using it.

1. Lack of Vitamin D

[Image of Vitamin D food sources]

• Sunlight: The skin produces Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Children in developed countries often spend less time outdoors or use heavy sunscreen, blocking this natural process.
• Food: Fish oils, fatty fish, and egg yolks contain Vitamin D. Fortified foods like milk and cereal are also good sources.

2. Absorption Problems

Some medical conditions affect how the body absorbs Vitamin D:

• Celiac disease.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Cystic fibrosis.
• Kidney problems.

Risk Factors

• Age: Children 3 to 36 months old are at highest risk because their skeletons are growing rapidly.
• Dark Skin: Dark skin has more melanin, which reduces the skin's ability to produce Vitamin D from sunlight.
• Geography: Living in northern latitudes with less sunshine.
• Premature Birth: Born before acquiring enough vitamin stores from the mother.
• Exclusive Breast-feeding: Breast milk does not contain enough Vitamin D to prevent rickets. Babies should receive Vitamin D drops.

Diagnosis

Doctors perform a physical exam by gently pressing on bones to check for abnormalities.

• Skull: Checking for soft spots (fontanels) that are slow to close.
• Legs: Checking for exaggerated bowing.
• Chest: Checking for rib cage flattening.
• X-Rays & Blood Tests: To confirm bone deformities and measure calcium/phosphorus levels.

Treatment

• Supplements: Most cases are treated with Vitamin D and calcium supplements. (Follow doctor's dosage carefully, as too much Vitamin D can be harmful).
• Bracing: Special braces may be used to position the child's body correctly as bones grow.
• Surgery: Required for severe skeletal deformities.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.