What is rickets?

Rickets is a bone related disorder which leads to defective bone development among children. In rickets, the bones become soft, fragile and prone to fractures and abnormalities. Its leading cause is deficiency of Vitamin D, phosphorus and calcium during growth years.  Here we talk about what is rickets?

What is rickets?

A shortage of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate cause rickets, a skeletal disorder. These elements are necessary for healthy development and strength of bones. Rickets can cause weak bones, soft bones, delay in development, and skeletal defects in extreme instances. Vitamin D aids in the intake of calcium and phosphate from the intestine. Lack of vitamin D makes it harder for your body to maintain a good calcium and phosphate level which ultimately affects bone’s health. Due to shortage of the essential minerals, the bones grow weak and soft; more vulnerable to fracture.

When the condition is identified in children it is known as rickets whereas the same condition i.e. lack of minerals resulting in weak bones also appears in adults but it is named as osteomalacia. Children are the most vulnerable to rickets because they are still developing. Rickets is most frequent in infants and toddlers aged 6 to 36 months. Children who live in a place with limited sunshine, eat a vegetarian diet, or don't consume milk products may not obtain enough vitamin D. Although, it is caused during lifetime due to deficiency of concerned minerals in body, in certain situations, the disease is inherited as well.

Symptoms of rickets

The following are some of the rickets indications and symptoms:

•    Delay in Motor milestone achievement
•    Back pain, pelvic pain, and leg pain
•    Muscle deterioration
•    Knock knees or bowed legs
•    Thickening of ankles and wrists
•    Extension of the breastbone.

Causes of rickets

Vitamin D is required for your child's body to for successful absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the diet they consume. Rickets can develop if your child doesn't get enough vitamin D or if their body doesn't use it effectively. Rickets can be induced by calcium shortage or a calcium and vitamin D deficiency.

What are the treatment options for rickets?

The goal of rickets treatment is to fulfil the vitamin and mineral deficiency so that the body could use that to strengthen the bones naturally. This ultimately reduces and relives the symptoms. If your kid has a vitamin D deficit, your doctor would most likely advise getting as much as possible sunlight. They will also recommend inclusion of vitamin D-rich foods such as fish, liver, milk, and eggs in daily diet. Doctors can treat rickets with calcium and vitamin D supplementation as well. If your kid has skeletal malformations, braces may be required to keep their bones in the proper place as they develop. In extreme situation, i.e. if the child's condition is serious, doctor may also opt for corrective surgery. Treatment for genetic rickets needs a mix of phosphate tablets and high amounts of a specific kind of vitamin D.

If a kid does not get enough vitamin D, and the mineral rickets might develop. Some people are at comparatively higher risk of contracting it due to spending less than essential time in sunlight or a poor diet.

Note: The purpose of this article is to create general awareness among the readers. The information provided is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute to medical practitioner's recommendations. In case you find above stated symptoms in you or your known, Kindly consult a physician or a specialist regarding diagnosis and treatment.

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