Rickets: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Rickets | |||
| image = [[File:XrayRicketsLegssmall.jpg|left|thumb]] | |||
| caption = X-ray of legs showing rickets | |||
| field = [[Endocrinology]], [[Pediatrics]] | |||
| synonyms = Rachitis | |||
| symptoms = [[Bone pain]], [[muscle weakness]], [[skeletal deformities]] | |||
| complications = [[Bone fractures]], [[growth retardation]] | |||
| onset = Childhood | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = [[Vitamin D deficiency]], [[calcium deficiency]], [[phosphate deficiency]] | |||
| risks = [[Malnutrition]], lack of [[sunlight]], [[genetic disorders]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Blood test]], [[X-ray]] | |||
| differential = [[Osteomalacia]], [[hypophosphatasia]], [[osteogenesis imperfecta]] | |||
| prevention = [[Vitamin D supplementation]], adequate [[nutrition]], [[sun exposure]] | |||
| treatment = [[Vitamin D]], [[calcium]] supplements, treating underlying conditions | |||
| prognosis = Good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in developing countries | |||
}} | |||
'''Rickets''' is a [[disease]] that happens in young [[children]]. It happens in children who do not get enough [[vitamin D]] and [[calcium]]. It causes larger spaces inside [[bones]], and makes them dry, like [[Sponge (tool)|sponges]]. It can make the legs curve toward each other (so the [[knee]]s touch) or away from each other. | '''Rickets''' is a [[disease]] that happens in young [[children]]. It happens in children who do not get enough [[vitamin D]] and [[calcium]]. It causes larger spaces inside [[bones]], and makes them dry, like [[Sponge (tool)|sponges]]. It can make the legs curve toward each other (so the [[knee]]s touch) or away from each other. | ||
[[File:Rickets USNLM.gif|alt=Rickets|thumb|Rickets]] | [[File:Rickets USNLM.gif|left|thumb|alt=Rickets|left|thumb|Rickets]] | ||
== Other names == | == Other names == | ||
Other Names: Vitamin-D deficiency rickets; Nutritional rickets; Hypovitaminosis D | Other Names: Vitamin-D deficiency rickets; Nutritional rickets; Hypovitaminosis D | ||
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Rickets in adults is called '''osteomalacia'''. | Rickets in adults is called '''osteomalacia'''. | ||
== Etiology == | == Etiology == | ||
The word "rickets" comes from the [[Greek (language)|Greek]] word ''rhakhis'', which means "[[spine]]." | The word "rickets" comes from the [[Greek (language)|Greek]] word ''rhakhis'', which means "[[spine]]." | ||
== Cause == | == Cause == | ||
Rickets is due to a deficiency of [[vitamin D]] in [[children]]. | Rickets is due to a deficiency of [[vitamin D]] in [[children]]. | ||
Vitamin D helps growing bones absorb important nutrients. | Vitamin D helps growing bones absorb important nutrients. | ||
[[File:Rickets wrist.jpg|alt=Rickets wrist|thumb|Rickets wrist]] | [[File:Rickets wrist.jpg|left|thumb|alt=Rickets wrist|left|thumb|Rickets wrist]] | ||
== Risk factors == | == Risk factors == | ||
A child might not get enough vitamin D if he or she: | A child might not get enough vitamin D if he or she: | ||
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* Can't make or use vitamin D because of a medical disorder such as celiac disease | * Can't make or use vitamin D because of a medical disorder such as celiac disease | ||
* Has an inherited disorder that affects vitamin D levels | * Has an inherited disorder that affects vitamin D levels | ||
[[File:Rickets.jpg|alt=Rickets|thumb|Rickets]] | [[File:Rickets.jpg|left|thumb|alt=Rickets|left|thumb|Rickets]] | ||
== Sources of vitamin D == | == Sources of vitamin D == | ||
* Vitamin D comes from sunlight and food. | * Vitamin D comes from sunlight and food. | ||
* Skin produces vitamin D in response to the sun's rays. | * Skin produces vitamin D in response to the sun's rays. | ||
* Some foods also contain vitamin D, including fortified dairy products and cereals, and some kinds of fish. | * Some foods also contain vitamin D, including fortified dairy products and cereals, and some kinds of fish. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
* Rickets can be prevented if a person gets plenty of calcium and vitamin D. | * Rickets can be prevented if a person gets plenty of calcium and vitamin D. | ||
* Get a lot of [[sunlight]], and eat foods that have a lot of vitamin D and calcium in them or take vitamin D supplements along with [[calcium]]. | * Get a lot of [[sunlight]], and eat foods that have a lot of vitamin D and calcium in them or take vitamin D supplements along with [[calcium]]. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The signs and symptoms of rickets include: | The signs and symptoms of rickets include: | ||
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* Wide wrist and elbow joints | * Wide wrist and elbow joints | ||
* Teeth abnormalities | * Teeth abnormalities | ||
[[File:X-ray of Hands Identifying Rickets.jpg|alt=X-ray of Hands Identifying Rickets|thumb|X-ray of Hands Identifying Rickets]] | [[File:X-ray of Hands Identifying Rickets.jpg|left|thumb|alt=X-ray of Hands Identifying Rickets|left|thumb|X-ray of Hands Identifying Rickets]] | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
* Rickets is typically diagnosed using specific blood tests and x-rays. | * Rickets is typically diagnosed using specific blood tests and x-rays. | ||
* Blood tests usually show low levels of calcium and phosphorus and high levels of alkaline phosphatase. | * Blood tests usually show low levels of calcium and phosphorus and high levels of alkaline phosphatase. | ||
* Bone x-rays may show areas with calcium loss or changes in bone shape. | * Bone x-rays may show areas with calcium loss or changes in bone shape. | ||
* Bone biopsies are rarely performed, but can confirm the diagnosis of rickets. | * Bone biopsies are rarely performed, but can confirm the diagnosis of rickets. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
* The treatment for rickets depends on the cause of the condition. | * The treatment for rickets depends on the cause of the condition. | ||
* If rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D in the diet, then it is usually treated with carefully adjusted levels of vitamin D and calcium. | * If rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D in the diet, then it is usually treated with carefully adjusted levels of vitamin D and calcium. | ||
* The child's condition may improve within a few weeks of treatment. | * The child's condition may improve within a few weeks of treatment. | ||
* If rickets is caused by an inherited disorder or another medical condition, a healthcare provider would determine the appropriate treatment. | * If rickets is caused by an inherited disorder or another medical condition, a healthcare provider would determine the appropriate treatment. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Vitamin D]] | * [[Vitamin D]] | ||
* [[Calcium]] | * [[Calcium]] | ||
Latest revision as of 01:05, 14 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Rickets | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Rachitis |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Bone pain, muscle weakness, skeletal deformities |
| Complications | Bone fractures, growth retardation |
| Onset | Childhood |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency, phosphate deficiency |
| Risks | Malnutrition, lack of sunlight, genetic disorders |
| Diagnosis | Blood test, X-ray |
| Differential diagnosis | Osteomalacia, hypophosphatasia, osteogenesis imperfecta |
| Prevention | Vitamin D supplementation, adequate nutrition, sun exposure |
| Treatment | Vitamin D, calcium supplements, treating underlying conditions |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common in developing countries |
| Deaths | N/A |
Rickets is a disease that happens in young children. It happens in children who do not get enough vitamin D and calcium. It causes larger spaces inside bones, and makes them dry, like sponges. It can make the legs curve toward each other (so the knees touch) or away from each other.
Other names[edit]
Other Names: Vitamin-D deficiency rickets; Nutritional rickets; Hypovitaminosis D Rickets in adults is called osteomalacia.
Etiology[edit]
The word "rickets" comes from the Greek word rhakhis, which means "spine."
Cause[edit]
Rickets is due to a deficiency of vitamin D in children. Vitamin D helps growing bones absorb important nutrients.
Risk factors[edit]
A child might not get enough vitamin D if he or she:
- Has dark skin
- Spends too little time outside
- Has on sunscreen all the time when out of doors
- Doesn't eat foods containing vitamin D because of lactose intolerance or a strict vegetarian diet
- Is breastfed without receiving vitamin D supplements
- Can't make or use vitamin D because of a medical disorder such as celiac disease
- Has an inherited disorder that affects vitamin D levels
Sources of vitamin D[edit]
- Vitamin D comes from sunlight and food.
- Skin produces vitamin D in response to the sun's rays.
- Some foods also contain vitamin D, including fortified dairy products and cereals, and some kinds of fish.
Prevention[edit]
- Rickets can be prevented if a person gets plenty of calcium and vitamin D.
- Get a lot of sunlight, and eat foods that have a lot of vitamin D and calcium in them or take vitamin D supplements along with calcium.
Symptoms[edit]
The signs and symptoms of rickets include:
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Bowed (curved) legs
- Large forehead
- Stunted growth
- Abnormally curved spine
- Large abdomen
- Abnormally shaped ribs and breastbone
- Wide wrist and elbow joints
- Teeth abnormalities
Diagnosis[edit]
- Rickets is typically diagnosed using specific blood tests and x-rays.
- Blood tests usually show low levels of calcium and phosphorus and high levels of alkaline phosphatase.
- Bone x-rays may show areas with calcium loss or changes in bone shape.
- Bone biopsies are rarely performed, but can confirm the diagnosis of rickets.
Treatment[edit]
- The treatment for rickets depends on the cause of the condition.
- If rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D in the diet, then it is usually treated with carefully adjusted levels of vitamin D and calcium.
- The child's condition may improve within a few weeks of treatment.
- If rickets is caused by an inherited disorder or another medical condition, a healthcare provider would determine the appropriate treatment.
See also[edit]
 | |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Malnutrition | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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