If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

OVERVIEW

What is rickets?

Rickets is a disorder that affects the bones, causing them to soften and break easily. It is most common in children.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of rickets?

Rickets can cause delayed growth, pain in the bones of the spine, pelvis and legs, and muscle weakness. It can also cause problems with your child’s teeth, such as cavities and problems with teeth structure.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes rickets?

A lack of vitamin D causes most cases of rickets, but this disorder can also run in families. Vitamin D helps the bones absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. When your child does not get enough vitamin D, their bones do not get the necessary nutrients that make bones strong.

Who is at risk?

Children ages 6 months to 24 months are at the highest risk of rickets because their bones are growing very rapidly during this period. Your child may also be at risk if they:

• Have dark skin
• Don’t get moderate exposure to sunlight or wears sunscreen at all times when outside
• Don’t eat enough foods containing vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus
• Breastfeed without a vitamin D supplement

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How can my healthcare provider tell if my child has rickets?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your family health history and your child’s health and diet. Your child will need a full physical exam. Blood tests and X-rays of the arms or legs can also help your healthcare provider determine if your child has rickets.

TREATMENT

How is rickets treated?

Treatment depends on the type of rickets your child has. Rickets caused by nutritional   deficiencies is treated with vitamin D and calcium. Your child’s pain and muscle weakness will probably get better within a few weeks of treatment. If your child has inherited rickets or has an illness causing the problem, you may need to see a healthcare provider who specializes in rickets.

If your child has bone deformities caused by rickets, they may need braces or surgery to correct the problem.      

PREVENTION

How can I keep my child from getting nutritional rickets?

Be sure your child gets enough vitamin D and calcium. If you breastfeed your baby, your healthcare provider will prescribe a vitamin supplement that includes vitamin D (because human milk only has a small amount of vitamin D). If your baby gets less than 473 ml (16 ounces) of formula per day, they will also need extra vitamin D. If you have an older child who has      rickets, offer them vitamin-D fortified foods (such as breakfast cereals and orange juice) and foods that are high in calcium (such as milk, cheese, and salad greens). Do not give your child vitamin supplements unless they are recommended by your healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider can tell you about how much time in the sun is safe for your child. Remember that infants and babies should be protected from direct sunlight.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

• What is the likely cause of my child’s rickets?
• What is the best treatment option?
• Does my child need a vitamin D or calcium supplement?
• What can I do at home to make sure my child gets enough vitamin D?
• Is it safe to let my child have monitored time in the sun without sunscreen?
• What are the complications of rickets? Is my child at risk for any long-term problems?

Sources

Rickets: Not a Disease of the Past by LS Nield, M.D., P Mahajan, M.D., M.P.H., A Joshi, M.D., and D Kamat, M.D., PH.D. (08/15/06, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20060815/619.html)