🦴 Rickets: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

⚕️ What is Rickets?

Rickets is a childhood bone disorder where bones become soft and weak, often leading to bone deformities. It is usually caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, which are essential for strong and healthy bones.

Rickets primarily affects children, especially during periods of rapid growth, and can lead to long-term skeletal problems if untreated.

🔎 Symptoms of Rickets

Symptoms usually appear gradually and may include:

🦵 Delayed growth and shorter stature
🔄 Bone pain or tenderness, especially in the legs, pelvis, or spine
🦴 Bone deformities, such as bowed legs or thickened wrists and ankles
🦷 Dental problems – delayed tooth formation or defects in teeth
😴 Fatigue and muscle weakness
⚖️ Poor posture and difficulty walking
🖐️ Skeletal deformities in the chest (like a pigeon chest)

⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors

☀️ Vitamin D deficiency – most common cause, often due to limited sunlight exposure
🥛 Low calcium or phosphate intake – from poor diet or malabsorption
👶 Premature birth – babies born early may have lower stores of vitamin D
🧬 Genetic disorders – rare forms of rickets can be inherited
🩺 Medical conditions – such as celiac disease or kidney disorders affecting mineral absorption

🩺 Diagnosis of Rickets

Doctors may use:

🩸 Blood tests – to check levels of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate
🩻 X-rays – to detect bone softening or deformities
🔬 Urine tests – to check phosphate loss
🩺 Review of dietary habits and medical history

💊 Treatment of Rickets

Treatment focuses on replenishing nutrients and supporting bone health:

Vitamin D Supplements 💊
- Oral vitamin D drops or tablets for children
- In severe cases, high-dose therapy under medical supervision
Calcium & Phosphate Intake 🥛
- Dairy products, green leafy vegetables, fortified foods
- Supplements if diet alone is insufficient
Sunlight Exposure ☀️
- Encourage outdoor activities to boost natural vitamin D production
Medical Interventions 🏥
- Orthopedic surgery may be needed for severe bone deformities
- Regular monitoring of growth and bone development

🛡️ Prevention of Rickets

☀️ Ensure adequate sunlight exposure for children
🥗 Provide a balanced diet rich in vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate
💊 Use vitamin D supplements for infants and children at risk
🩺 Regular pediatric check-ups to monitor growth and bone health

🌟 Outlook

With early detection and proper treatment, rickets can be fully corrected, and most children recover with normal bone growth. Prevention through diet, sunlight, and supplements is the key to keeping children healthy and strong.

🦴 Rickets