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Rickets is the softening and weakening of bones in children, usually because of an extreme and prolonged vitamin D deficiency. Rare inherited problems also can cause rickets.
Vitamin D helps your child's body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. Not enough vitamin D makes it difficult to maintain proper calcium and phosphorus levels in bones, which can cause rickets.
Adding vitamin D or calcium to the diet generally corrects the bone problems associated with rickets. When rickets is d...

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Signs and symptoms of rickets can include: Delayed growth Delayed motor skills Pain in the spine, pelvis and legs Muscle weakness Because rickets softens the areas of growing tissue at the ends of a child's bones (growth plates), it can cause skeletal deformities such as: Bowed legs or knock knees Thickened wrists and ankles Breastbone projection When to see a doctor Talk to your doctor if your child develops bone pain, muscle weakness or obvi...

Your child's body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. Rickets can occur if your child's body doesn't get enough vitamin D or if his or her body has problems using vitamin D properly. Occasionally, not getting enough calcium or lack of calcium and vitamin D can cause rickets. Lack of vitamin D
Children who don't get enough vitamin D from these two sources can develop a deficiency:
Some children are born with or develop medical conditions t...

Most cases of rickets can be treated with vitamin D and calcium supplements. Follow your child's doctor's directions as to dosage. Too much vitamin D can be harmful.
Your child's doctor will monitor your child's progress with X-rays and blood tests.
If your child has a rare inherited disorder that causes low amounts of phosphorus, supplements and medication may be prescribed.
For some cases of bowleg or spinal deformities, your doctor...

Exposure to sunlight provides the best source of vitamin D. During most seasons, 10 to 15 minutes of exposure to the sun near midday is enough. However, if you're dark-skinned, if it's winter or if you live in northern latitudes, you might not be able to get enough vitamin D from sun exposure.
In addition, because of skin cancer concerns, infants and young children, especially, are warned to avoid direct sun or to always wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
To prevent rickets, make sure your child eats foods that co...

For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.