Overview
Rickets is a childhood condition in which bones become soft and weak, usually from a lack of vitamin D, calcium or sunlight. Because growing bones cannot harden properly, the legs may bow and growth can slow. It is important to catch early, as it responds well to vitamin D and calcium and, once treated, most bone changes improve. Prevention through sunlight and good nutrition is straightforward.
Symptoms
- Bowed or bandy legs as a child begins to walk
- Delayed growth and short stature
- Soft skull bones and delayed teething in babies
- Bone pain or reluctance to walk
- A knobbly ribcage and weak muscles
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a child has bowed legs, delayed growth or walking, or bone pain, so vitamin D and calcium can be checked.
Causes
Lack of vitamin D from too little sunlight or diet, low dietary calcium, and rarely inherited conditions affecting vitamin D handling.