General Information About Rickets
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a disease where bones fail to form properly and remain soft and weak like dough, because calcium and phosphorus minerals cannot settle into the newly forming bone ends of infants and children during their rapid growth phase.
The biggest cause (Vitamin D deficiency) is the infant not getting enough sunlight and low Vitamin D levels in breast milk. Absorption disorders in the intestines or genetic kidney diseases (Phosphorus-resistant Rickets) can also create this condition.
When the baby starts walking, the leg bones cannot support the weight and bow outward or inward, forming an 'O leg' or 'X leg' shape. Bone enlargement is seen in the wrists and knees, and a bead-like arrangement of bones is visible on the rib cage.
The back of the baby's skull caves in and bounces back like pressing on a ping-pong ball (craniotabes), the fontanelle does not close despite months passing, and the eruption of teeth is significantly delayed.
Diagnosis is made through X-rays showing leg curvature (where the bone ends appear wide and frayed like a brush), along with blood tests indicating low/high levels of Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and the ALP enzyme.
Nutritional deficiency-related rickets completely heals and the curvatures are corrected within a few months with high-dose Vitamin D and Calcium supplements given in drop or ampoule form. For renal/genetic forms, specific active Vitamin D and phosphorus medications are required.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
