What are the Signs and Symptoms of Rickets?
October 14, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Rickets is a rare but serious condition that affects bone development, primarily in children, due to a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. The signs and symptoms of rickets can vary, and some children may not exhibit noticeable symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of rickets include:
- Bone Pain and Tenderness: Pain or tenderness in the bones, especially in the spine, legs, pelvis, and wrists.
- Muscle Weakness: Weakness and decreased muscle tone, leading to difficulty with motor skills and delays in reaching developmental milestones.
- Delayed Growth: Slow growth and development, both in height and weight, compared to other children of the same age.
- Delayed or Impaired Motor Skills: Difficulty sitting, standing, crawling, walking, or performing other motor activities appropriate for their age.
- Deformities of the Skeleton: Skeletal deformities such as bowed legs or knock knees, resulting from weak bones that can’t support the body’s weight.
- Thickened Wrist and Ankle Joints: Enlarged or swollen wrists and ankles due to the accumulation of bone at the growth plates.
- Fractures: Increased susceptibility to fractures or broken bones, often occurring with minimal force or trauma.
- Delayed Tooth Development: Late eruption of teeth and delayed teething in infants and young children.
- Chest Deformities: Chest deformities such as pigeon chest (pectus carinatum) or sunken chest (pectus excavatum).
- Delayed Closure of Soft Spots (Fontanelles): Delayed closure of the soft spots on an infant’s head (fontanelles), indicating delayed bone development.
- Breathing Problems: Breathing difficulties, especially in severe cases, due to a poorly formed rib cage that can’t adequately support lung function.
- Skeletal Pain: Generalized pain in bones and joints.
- Dental Issues: Dental problems such as cavities, delayed tooth eruption, and tooth decay.
- Poor Posture: Poor posture or a waddling gait due to muscle and bone weakness.
- Irritability and Behavioral Changes: Irritability, changes in behavior, or general fussiness, especially in infants and young children.
If you suspect your child may have rickets or is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate diagnostic tests. Rickets can be treated and managed with vitamin D and calcium supplementation, dietary adjustments, exposure to sunlight, and other medical interventions under a doctor’s guidance. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving bone health and preventing complications.