When your little one starts walking, do their legs look a little bowed or bowed? Or do their hands feel a little fat near
the wrists ? Some parents get a little worried when they see things like this. But don't worry. This could be due to a condition called Rickets. This usually develops in children when they don't get enough
vitamin D. Today, we'll talk about this in detail, in very simple language that you can understand.
Why does Rickets develop?
Simply put, the main reason for Rickets is that our children do not get enough
vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for a child's bones to be strong. This is because vitamin D helps the body absorb the essential nutrients
calcium and phosphorus found in the foods we eat. Imagine, when vitamin D is missing, the body cannot use calcium and phosphorus properly. Then, the child's growing bones do not become strong enough, but become
soft and weak . This condition is called Rickets. In addition to vitamin D deficiency, several other factors can affect it.
| Reason | A simple explanation |
|---|
| Reduced sun exposure | The best natural source of vitamin D is sunlight. If a child spends most of their time indoors and always applies a lot of sunscreen when they go outside, their skin will not be able to make vitamin D. |
| Skin color | Children with darker skin have a higher amount of melanin pigment, meaning their skin has a slightly lower ability to produce vitamin D. |
| Dietary problems | Some children are allergic to milk and dairy products (lactose intolerance). Others eat only vegetarian foods. In such cases, foods containing vitamin D may be missed. |
| Some medical conditions | Some children may have medical conditions that interfere with the absorption of vitamin D. For example, a disease called Celiac disease . |
Sometimes, this is not due to a vitamin D deficiency . Very rarely, rickets can also be caused by a genetic condition that a child is born with. Examples of these conditions include kidney problems, cystic fibrosis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
What are the symptoms of Rickets?
Rickets symptoms usually start to show in early childhood. During infancy, the child may be restless and cry a lot. The skull may feel softer than normal when touched. Let's look at these symptoms in more detail.
Common symptoms: Changes in the skeleton
| Type of symptom | Commonly seen things |
|---|
| Growth retardation | The child's height and weight gain are slower than other children of the same age. |
| Delayed motor skills | Slowness in crawling, standing, and walking. Difficulty walking. |
| Pain and weakness | Severe pain in the legs, back, and pelvis. Muscle weakness. |
| Dental problems | Delayed teething, misshapen teeth, and increased risk of tooth decay. |
| Bowed legs | Bowed legs or knock knees. |
| Hands, wrists and ankles | The wrists and ankles appear thicker and wider than normal. |
| Chest changes | Protruding breastbone (pigeon chest) and abnormal shapes of ribs. |
| Skull | The forehead area appears large and the soft spots on the skull (fontanels) are delayed in closing. |
How does a doctor diagnose Rickets?
If you notice these symptoms, the best thing to do is to take your child
to a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will follow several steps to diagnose this disease. 1.
Physical examination: The first thing to do is to examine the child thoroughly. The doctor will feel the child's skull, legs, chest, and
wrists for any abnormalities. If there are clubbing legs, he or she can determine whether it is a normal part of development or a result of rickets. 2.
X-rays: An X-ray may be recommended to clearly see the deformities and changes in the bones. If rickets is present, the ends of the bones will be soft and wide, which can be clearly seen on the X-ray. 3.
Blood and urine tests: Rickets can be confirmed by checking the levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in the blood. These tests also help monitor the child's response to treatment.
What are the treatments for rickets?
The good news is that Rickets is
a largely curable disease. Treatment begins with vitamin D and calcium supplements.
- Vitamin D and Calcium : The doctor will recommend a specific dose of vitamin D and calcium based on the child's age and severity of the condition. But remember, these should be given in the dosage prescribed by the doctor.Giving too much vitamin D can also be harmful to the baby.
- Diet : Your doctor will advise you to add foods rich in vitamin D and calcium to your child's diet. Examples include oily fish like salmon, fish oil, egg yolks , and vitamin D-fortified milk.
- Bracing: If your child has bowed legs or a hunched back, you may be recommended to wear braces to help bring the bones into the correct position.
- Surgery : Very rarely, if the bone deformities are very severe, surgery may be necessary to correct them.
During treatment, the doctor will continue to perform X-rays and blood tests to monitor the child's progress.
What are the complications if left untreated?
If rickets is not treated in time, it can lead to several serious complications that can affect the child's future.
- Complete cessation of growth
- Permanent bone deformities (e.g., permanently bowed legs)
- Back pain
- Permanent dental problems
- Seizures due to very low calcium levels
Therefore, it is very important to seek medical advice as soon as you notice symptoms.
Take-Home Message
- Rickets is a disease that weakens children's bones, mainly due to vitamin D deficiency.
- The best prevention method is to provide the child with adequate sunlight and a balanced diet rich in vitamin D.
- If your child has symptoms such as bowed legs, enlarged wrists , or delayed growth, don't panic and see a doctor immediately.
- This disease can be almost completely cured by administering the correct dosage of vitamin D and calcium as prescribed by a doctor.
- Early detection and treatment can give the child a healthy, strong future.
Rickets, Vitamin D, Calcium, Childhood Diseases, Weak Bones, Club Feet, Child Health
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