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.
Rare inherited disorders related to low levels of phosphorus, the other mineral component in bone, may require other medications
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.
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
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
By Dr. Talip Chichan