Rickets: Definition, Symptoms Causes and Treatment

Rickets is a disease that affects the development of bones in the children. In this disease children has to face weak and soft bones, which result in the deformation of bones. This disease is mostly caused by the deficiency of vitamin D. The deficiency of calcium and phosphate is also the main cause of this disease. In this blog we explore the main concept of Rickets: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.

What is Rickets

It is a disease that affects the bones of young children. This disease is characterized by the softening and weakening of the bones. In this disease the skeleton of children can be deformed and cause growth delays in children. The children with this disease are not able to grow to their maximum size because of the deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. These are very important minerals for the development of healthy bones. Now, we will discuss the main symptoms of this disease by which you were able to understand whether you have rickets or not.

Symptoms of Rickets

Like other diseases, the symptoms of Rickets also vary from person to person depending upon the severity and condition of the disease. Now we will discuss the common signs and symptoms of this disease.

Like other diseases, the symptoms of Rickets also vary from person to person depending upon the severity and condition of the disease. Now we will discuss the common signs and symptoms of this disease.

Bone Pain: Children who have rickets have severe pain in their bones mainly on their legs. Pain is also commonly found in the pelvis or spine.
Skeletal Deformities: Rickets can cause a serious change in the bones of children. Deformed legs and bend pelvis is also due to this disease.
Delayed Growth: Children who face the problem of rickets may experience delayed growth and development. They are shorter than the other fellows of their age. Some children are also delayed in motor skills like walking and crawling.

Muscle Weakness: The weakness of muscle is also the main cause of Rickets. Weak muscles also make it difficult for children to perform their daily activities well.
Dental Problems: Rickets also affects the development of teeth, leading to weak teeth and increased risk of cavities.
Frequent Fracture: As discussed, children with rickets have weak bones and hence their bones are fractured at a higher rate.

Causes of Rickets

Rickets are mainly caused by the deficiency of balanced diet in which vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus are the main things. Now, we discuss all these things in detail.

Vitamin D

Deficiency of vitamin D is the main cause of Rickets. Vitamin D is the essential nutrient of the body and plays a main role in diet. It helps in absorbing other minerals like calcium and phosphate. When there is a deficiency of vitamin D then these minerals are not absorbed in the body properly, leading to weak and soft bones. So, when we have the low level of vitamin D in the body then it leads to rickets. The main sources of vitamin D are given below:

Sunlight: Sunlight is the main cause of vitamin D. Our body produces most vitamin D in sunlight. Lack of sun exposure, especially in cold regions is the main cause of this disease. Moreover, the children who spend most of their time inside the house and never go outside can also have the probability of having this disease.

Diet: Vitamin D is also obtained from a variety of foods, such as fatty fish, egg yolk, and fortified milk. Fortified milk is the best source of vitamin D. There are also many other things like cereals and orange juice that fulfill the deficiency of vitamin D.

Calcium Deficiency

Calcium is the most important and main thing for healthy bones. It is crucial and essential for our body. A diet with a low calcium level can lead to the weakness of bones and increase the risk of Rickets. The main source of calcium is milk. It is also found in many other things like dairy products, and leafy green vegetables.

Phosphate Deficiency

The deficiency of phosphate is also the big and main cause of Rickets. It is also found in a variety of foods like meat, fish, nuts and whole grains.

Genetic factor

Genetic factor is also the main cause of this disease. If someone has a family background of Rickets then there is a high probability that the upcoming members of the family face this issue.

Diagnosis of Rickets

Rickets are diagnosed by a number of ways including medical history, physical examination and diagnostic tests. Here are some common steps involved in the diagnosis of this disease

Medical History: Firstly, the doctor asks the patient about their history, including the symptoms. The doctor may also ask about the diet and lifestyle of the patient.

Physical examination: The doctor performs a physical examination for the diagnosis of Rickets. The doctor checks the bones of the patient to see whether it is deformed or not.

Blood Test: Blood test is commonly used to measure the level of certain minerals in the blood. This includes the level of calcium phosphate and vitamin D in the body. If the level of these nutrients are in less quantity then the patient may have rickets.

X-RAY: X-RAY of the affected bone can also help to identify the Deformities of the bone. If the structure of the bone is changed then this is the characteristics of Rickets.

Treatment of Rickets

If we treat the symptoms or causes of the rickets then it leads to the treatment of this disease.

Nutritional Supplements

If we take care of our health and take proper nutrients then we will be able to treat this disease but if we are unable to take proper nutrients through diet then we take it by supplements. The main goal is to just fulfil the deficiency of nutrients.

Vitamin D supplements: The supplements of vitamin D are commonly used to increase the level of vitamin D in the body. These supplements may be taken in the form of medicines or in the form of injections.
Calcium Supplements: These supplements have the ability to maintain the level of calcium in the body and blood. When the level of calcium is maintained it leads to a happy and healthy life. You take the supplements of calcium in various forms such as in the form of medicines and also in the form of injections.
Phosphate Supplements: The supplements of phosphate can also complete your phosphate deficiency.

Sunlight exposure

Regular exposure in sunlight can also help us to treat rickets because sunlight can help boost vitamin D in the body. If we spend morning or afternoon time outside then it will be very beneficial for us. However, it’s important to balance the time of sun exposure to avoid high risk of sunburn and skin damage.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can also be very beneficial for children to improve muscle strength and mobility. A physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles and bones to improve the physical functions.

Prevention of Rickets

We have the ability to prevent rickets by a number of ways. If we improve our diet then we have the ability to recover. You must ensure adequate vitamin D intake in your diet. You must have taken regular exposure to sunlight and also add high calcium and phosphate rich things in your diet.

Conclusion

Rickets is a disease the mainly affects children. We can have the ability to prevent from it by taking high quality of vitamin D, calcium and phosphate. Our lifestyle and habits can also put an effect on our health.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing complications and ensuring healthy bones. If your child has rickets, it’s important for you to take medical advice and guidance from a healthcare professional for proper treatment.
You must take care of your health by taking a balanced diet and also with regular exercise.