Rickets: Symptoms, Causes, Questions And Answers

Rickets is a skeletal disorder that results from a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. These nutrients are important for the development of strong, healthy bones. Most people with rickets will have stunted growth, soft or weak bones, and, in severe cases, skeletal deformities, such as an oddly shaped skull, bow legs, or legs that bow out, bumps in the ribcage, a protruding breastbone, a curved spine, or pelvic deformities. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphate from your intestines. You can get vitamin D from various food products, including milk, eggs, and fish. Your body also produces the vitamin when you’re exposed to sunlight. A vitamin D deficiency makes it difficult for your body to maintain sufficient levels of calcium and phosphate. …show more content…
When your bones lack these minerals, they become weak and soft. Children who are between 6 and 36 months old are those most likely to get rickets. They're at the highest risk of rickets because they are still growing. If they live in a region with little sunlight, follow a vegetarian diet, or don’t drink milk products they might not get enough vitamin D. Calcium and vitamin D supplements can also be used to treat rickets. Ask your doctor about the correct dosage, as it can vary based on the size of your child. Too much vitamin D or calcium can be unsafe. If there are skeletal deformities, children may need braces to position their bones correctly as they grow. In severe cases, they may need corrective