Rickets – Affects Development of Bones

Rickets is a condition which affects the development of bones in children causing the bones to be soft and weak which leads to bone deformities. It is the most frequent childhood diseases in several developing countries, the main cause being the deficiencies of vitamin D though lack of calcium in the diet could also lead to rickets.

Severe diarrhoea and vomiting could also be the cause of the deficiency. Rickets could also occur in adults and is known as osteomalacia or soft bones but the majority of the cases often occur in children suffering from severe malnutrition which could be the result of famine or starvation during the initial stage of their childhood.

Children could also be born with genetic form of rickets in some rare cases. Lack of vitamin D and calcium being the common cause of rickets, is most essential for strong and healthy bones. Vitamin D comes largely from the exposure to sunlight though it is also found in foods like oily fish and eggs.

A child with insufficient vitamin D or calcium could develop rickets and the condition is common in children with dark skin, premature children and those taking medication which may interfere with vitamin D.

Include Vitamin D & Calcium 

Prevention from rickets can be done by maintaining a diet which includes vitamin D and calcium along with sufficient sunlight wherein the hands and face should be exposed to the sunlight for around 15 minutes several times a week during spring and summer in order to obtain enough vitamin D.

Supplements of vitamin D, in some cases are also recommended to reduce the chances of rickets. Signs and symptoms of rickets include dental problems, bone tenderness, muscle weakness, increased tendency for fractures and skeletal deformity.

Toddlers have bowed legs, and in older children, knock-knees or windswept knees, Cranial deformity like skull bossing, pelvic deformity, spinal deformity and growth disturbance. The patient also shows signs of low level of calcium in the blood known as hypocalcemia, tetany which is uncontrolled muscle spasms all over the body, soft skull – craniotabes, swelling or Costochondral, double malleoli sign due to metaphyseal hyperplasia, Harrison’s groove and widening of wrist which is the early signs of this ailment.

Exposure to Ultraviolet B Light 

Exposure to ultraviolet B light which can be availed when the sun is highest in the sky can be undertaken to overcome the deficiency of vitamin D. Besides this, cod liver oil, halibut liver oil and viosterol are the other sources of vitamin D.

With sufficient amount of ultraviolet B light from the sunlight daily and with essential supplies of calcium and phosphorus intake can contribute in preventing rickets. Vitamin D replacement has proved to improve rickets through ultraviolet light therapy as well as with medicines.

Children who do not tend to get sufficient amount of vitamin D are at greater risk of suffering from rickets and hence they should be treated by providing them with foods containing calcium and vitamin D or some vitamin supplements.

Should the child face problems in absorbing vitamins and minerals, a higher need of supplement dose or a yearly vitamin D injection can be given.