Rickets: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
What is Rickets?
Rickets is a bone-related disorder which can cause weakening and softening of bones. It is a rare disorder which is also known as osteomalacia. It is always symptomized by malnutrition.
Rickets can often occur in poverty-stricken countries where there is inadequate absorption of Vitamin D.
How does it affect the body?
The contributing factors of rickets include low calcium levels in the body it can also be associated with the formation of bowed legs. It can also be genetic.
The effect of rickets on the body are discussed down as below it is capable of performing deformed Limbs. It can cause weakening of the skeletal frame and change the bone composition to make it weak. It can also cause malabsorption and disproportionately large or small skull.
What are the causes of Rickets?
The causes of rickets can be discussed down as below.
- It is generally caused by a lack of vitamin D and calcium and magnesium.
- It can also be due to genetic reasons. Include the use of egg and cod liver oil or milk in the diet.
- Some renal/hepatic or intestinal diseases are linked with rickets.
Lack of enough exposure to sunlight and UV rays can also cause rickets. It is a childhood disorder which is generally found in children.
What are the risk factors of Rickets?
These are the risk factors present in cases of rickets.
- Population living in poor Lifestyle can conduct rickets easily.
- Little exposure to sunlight and UV rays is related to causing rickets.
- Malnutrition can also be another reason of rickets which forces the risk of rickets.
There is a significant increase in bone fracture risk. It can cause the formation of deformed body parts with a weak skeletal frame.
What are the symptoms of Rickets?
These are the symptoms which are generally present in case of rickets.
- Symptoms include soft and weak bones in children.
- It can cause malnutrition due to inadequate absorption of Vitamin D.
- Least exposure to sunlight is also capable of producing weak and Porous bones. The risk of fracture is incredibly increased in this case.
What is the diagnosis of Rickets?
These are the methods available for the diagnosis of rickets.
- The blood test is done where and the amount of blood is collected for testing.
- Arterial blood gas test is done to check the acidity of the blood.
- Complete x-ray of the bones should be contacted along with a bone biopsy.
- The physical symptoms are also checked like the presence of deformed Limbs.
- Malabsorption in children is prevalent.
What are the prevention and control of rickets?
These are the procedures to follow for the prevention and control of rickets. Vitamin D deficiency should be made up for along with proper calcium intake and enough exposure to sunlight. Diet should be including milk for better nutrition purposes. Daily vitamin supplements may be required in some cases.
What are the treatment options available for rickets?
These are the treatment options which are available for rickets. Increase the amount of calcium intake and you may also take calcium supplements. Increase the amount of vitamin D intake. Get Enough exposure to sunlight. Increase the intake of cod liver oil.
Consider taking ergo calciferol and cholecalciferol.
Phosphorus medication is prescribed, vitamin D hormone medication is prescribed. Underlying disorders should be treated first in children.
What are the lifestyle tips?
These are the lifestyle tips recommended for patients with rickets. It is important to eat food which is rich in vitamin D. Include egg, cod liver oil, milk and juices in your diet.
What are the recommended exercise?
Exercise should be performed only after considerable recovery. It can otherwise cause premature broken bones. It is Recommended to stay active and get enough exposure to sunlight.
What are the interactions of rickets with diseases and pregnancy?
Rickets is actually a childhood disorder.
For pregnant mothers, the intake of Vitamin D supplements is advised. It will improve the health of your baby. The risk of rickets in the baby will decrease significantly.
The interactions with rickets and other diseases can be caused due to genetic factors also.
What are the common complications of rickets?
The common complications of rickets are given down as below.
Complications: Bone fractures, muscle spasms, abnormally curved spine, intellectual traits undeveloped.
Rickets is a disorder which should be treated as soon as possible when it is diagnosed. Do not avoid rickets in young children.
FAQs
Q. Is there any complete cure for rickets?
If you have osteomalacia – the adult form of rickets that causes soft bones – treatment with supplements will usually cure the condition. However, it may be several months before any bone pain and muscle weakness is relieved. You should continue taking vitamin D supplements regularly to prevent the condition returning.
Q. What are the prolonged effects of rickets?
The long term effects of rickets are discussed down as below:
- Painful bones,
- muscle weakness,
- cramps and spasms.
- Slowed growth and development.
- Increased risk of broken bones,
- including spontaneous breaks that occur by themselves without pressure or trauma.
Q. Can rickets occur to adults?
Rickets is a condition that affects bone development in children. It causes bone pain, poor growth and soft, weak bones that can lead to bone deformities. Adults can experience a similar condition, which is known as osteomalacia or soft bones. Read more about the signs and symptoms of rickets and osteomalacia.
Q. What are some good Natural sources of vitamin D that I can include in my diet?
Some good Natural sources of vitamin D may include beef liver, fishes like salmon & tuna, eggs and dairy products.
Q. Can rickets occur due to malabsorption?
Most of the time, the occurrence of rickets is noted along with malabsorption. It is generally found in the poverty-stricken countries of the world. However, ongoing battles are going on to eradicate the occurrence of rickets or other similar diseases.
