Rickets: Causes, Signs, Treatment & Prevention

Rickets is a childhood bone disorder caused mainly by not enough vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Kids with rickets have soft, weak bones that bend and can break more easily. You might notice bowed legs, slow growth, late teeth, or trouble walking. This page tells you what to spot at home, how doctors diagnose it, simple treatments, and clear ways to prevent it.

Why does rickets happen? The most common reason is low vitamin D. The body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium from food. Without enough vitamin D, bones don’t harden properly. Other causes include poor dietary calcium, problems that stop nutrient absorption, certain kidney problems, or rare genetic conditions. Babies who are exclusively breastfed without vitamin D drops, kids with very little sun exposure, and children with darker skin are at higher risk.

Signs and when to see a doctor

Early signs are subtle: delayed growth, irritability, and soft skull bones. As rickets progresses you may see bowed or knock knees, swollen wrists or ankles, muscle weakness, tooth delays, and bone pain. If your child is limping, has a limp that gets worse, or a visible bend to their legs, see a pediatrician. Also seek urgent care for signs of low calcium like muscle twitching, seizures, or sudden numbness.

How doctors find and treat rickets

Diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam and health history. Blood tests check vitamin D, calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase. X-rays show characteristic bone changes in the growth plates. Treatment focuses on replacing missing nutrients: vitamin D supplements and extra calcium. The exact doses depend on age and how severe the deficiency is. In rare or severe cases, phosphate supplements, special diets, or surgery to correct bone deformities may be needed. Follow-up with repeat blood tests and X-rays makes sure treatment is working.

Simple changes at home help a lot. Encourage a diet with vitamin D and calcium — fatty fish, fortified milk or plant milk, eggs, and yogurt. Short daily sun exposure can boost vitamin D, but balance sun time with skin protection. For infants, pediatric guidelines often recommend daily vitamin D drops from birth, especially for breastfed babies. Always check doses with your child’s doctor before starting supplements.

Prevention is straightforward: timely vitamin D drops for infants, a balanced diet, sensible sun exposure, and regular pediatric checkups. If your family has a history of rickets or metabolic bone issues, mention it to your doctor—early testing catches problems before bones deform. SecureTabsPharm offers trusted information on supplements and can guide you to products common in treatment plans, but use them only after medical advice.

Ask about baseline vitamin D levels and a follow‑up test after treatment starts. Many clinics offer affordable testing and local dietitians can help build bone‑healthy meal plans for growing children.

Rickets is treatable and preventable when caught early. Watch for changes in walking, growth, or tooth timing, and talk to your pediatrician if anything seems off. Quick action keeps kids growing strong.