Rickets in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Rickets is a bone-related disorder that occurs in children and is caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, phosphate, or calcium, which can lead to weakened bones and bone softening.

Rickets often develops in children because their rapid growth increases the demand for nutrients and vitamin D from sunlight.

When rickets is not treated on time, it can lead to skeletal deformities and longer-term complications.

Key Takeaways

• Rickets is a bone disease in children typically caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.
• Symptoms can include bone pain, delayed growth, deformities of the skeleton, dental issues, and muscle weakness.
• Treatment options include vitamin D and calcium supplements, adequate nutrition, and sunlight exposure.

Causes of Rickets

Vitamin D deficiency is the most common cause of rickets as it plays a key role in the absorption of calcium in the body. The list below shows the common causes of rickets:

1. Inadequate sunlight exposure

Children who do not go outside often enough, live in areas with limited sunlight, or wear clothing that covers most of their skin may not receive enough ultraviolet (UV) rays for vitamin D production.

In addition, air pollution can block UV radiation from reaching the skin, further limiting vitamin D production.

2. Nutritional deficiency

When children are given diets that lack vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, it can lead to rickets. This often happens to children who are malnourished.

Infants who are entirely breastfed without vitamin D supplementation are also at risk, as breast milk naturally contains very little vitamin D.

3. Health Problems

Some medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or liver problems, can prevent the body from converting vitamin D to its active form.

Digestive disorders such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, or inflammatory bowel disease can also limit nutrient absorption, which leads to the deficiency of vitamin D.

4. Genetic Conditions

Some rare inherited disorders can limit the absorption or processing of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. For example, hypophosphatemic rickets can cause the kidneys to eliminate too much phosphorus, which limits bone mineralization even with normal vitamin D.

Symptoms of Rickets

Symptoms of rickets usually develop gradually and have varying degrees of severity, and symptoms include:

• Bone pain or tenderness, especially in the legs, spine, and pelvis.
• Delayed growth, where children may appear shorter or smaller than their peers.
• Skeletal deformities like bowed legs, thickening of wrists and ankles, or a curved spine.
• Dental issues, such as delayed tooth eruption or an increased risk of cavities.
• Muscle weakness, like difficulty with standing or walking, or being often tired.

Treatment of Rickets

If rickets is diagnosed and treated early, it can prevent permanent deformities and improve bone growth. Treatment options include:

1. Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements

Supplements are the primary treatment, allowing for mineralization of bones and regaining strength. In advanced cases, physicians may prescribe higher doses of vitamin D.

2. Sunlight Exposure

Exposing your child to sunlight for fifteen to thirty minutes each day is enough to promote vitamin D production. Regular sunlight exposure is one of the simplest preventive measures.

3. Improving Nutrition

Consuming a diet rich in both vitamin D and calcium, including calcium-fortified milk, eggs, fish, and vegetables, supports bone healing and helps reduce the risk of rickets or other bone-related issues in the future.

4. Medications for underlying problems

If the cause is related to the kidneys, liver, or genetics, there may be a need for medication. These medications usually consist of phosphate supplements or active vitamin D variations.

5. Surgery

If there are severe skeletal problems, surgery may be necessary to realign bones. Surgery is considered a last resort when medical therapy does not restore the shape of the bone.

Conclusion

Rickets in children is a treatable and preventable condition that, in its most common form, is due to vitamin D deficiency. Increased awareness, timely diagnosis, and initiation of treatment can help minimize the likelihood of permanent skeletal complications.

Ensuring proper nutrition, adequate sunlight exposure, and timely medical care are recommended to protecting children’s bone health and disorders such as rickets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can rickets cause permanent damage?

Untreated rickets can lead to permanent deformities in bones and growth problems. However, most children make a full recovery with early treatment.

2. When should parents consult a doctor?

If a parent is concerned that their child has delayed growth, bowed legs, bone pain, or ongoing muscle weakness, they should see a pediatrician. Early diagnosis and evaluation are important.