Do you know what the causes of rickets are?

Some people thought that this health problem had become a thing of the past, but in fact it still represents a major threat to the health of our children.

So if you want to know the real causes of this disorder, and how it can be treated?

What is rickets?

Rickets is a skeletal disorder caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb other important nutrients, such as calcium and phosphorus.

When there is not enough vitamin D, your child will not be able to get enough calcium and phosphorus to build strong, healthy bones.

1. Weakness and softening of the bones.
2. Delayed growth.
3. Skeletal deformities.

This disorder occurs only in developing bones.

1. They live in an area with little exposure to sunlight.
2. They follow a vegetarian diet.
3. They don't drink dairy products.

How does rickets affect bone growth?

Rickets may lead to soft, weak bones in the child, which may lead to a range of deformities and negative effects, such as:

• Pain

Bones affected by this disorder may be painful, and the child often feels discomfort in the spine, legs, or pelvis.

• Skeletal deformities, e.g
• Thickening of the wrists, ankles, and knees.
• Bowed legs, which is one of the most common symptoms.
• Softening of the skull bones.
• Spinal curvature.

Dental abnormalities, including

• Delayed tooth formation.
• Holes in tooth enamel.
• Increased number of cavities.
• Increased risk تسوس الأسنان.
• Poor growth and development

If the skeleton does not grow and develop properly, the child will be shorter than average.

• هشاشة العظام

This happens in severe cases, as the bones become weaker and more susceptible to fractures.

Rib cage deformities, such as:

• Bumps in the rib cage.
• The breastbone protrudes forward.

Learn about: Pediatric fractures | الأنواع والعلاج والتعافي

What are the causes of rickets?

This disorder occurs as a result of a lack of nutrients needed to build bones, such as calcium and phosphorus, due to the following

Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is the most common cause of rickets, called nutritional rickets.

Your child may suffer from a deficiency of this vitamin if he does not get a sufficient amount of it, and this may happen in the following cases

• Follow a vegetarian diet.
• Breastfeeding without taking vitamin D supplements.
• Having a health condition that limits the absorption of this vitamin, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis.
• Lack of adequate exposure to sunlight.

Genetic factors

One form of rickets may be hereditary, as the disorder can be passed down through genes.

العمر

Rickets is most common in children between the ages of six months and three years, and during this period their bodies need the greatest amount of calcium and phosphorus.

Underlying health conditions

A child may also develop this disorder due to some underlying health conditions, as children with rare types may suffer from Liver disease, kidneys, lungs, and intestines have difficulty absorbing vitamin D and phosphorus.

Diet

Your child is more likely to develop this disorder if he or she follows a vegetarian diet that does not include fish, eggs or milk.

Geographical location

Your child may be more susceptible to this disorder if he lives in an area with little exposure to sunlight.

Dark skin colour

Children of African descent are more susceptible to this disorder, due to their dark skin.

Book your consultation now at Pediatric Center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

What are the symptoms of rickets?

If your child has this disorder, he or she may experience the following symptoms

• Unnaturally shaped legs.
• Swelling in the wrists, knees, and ankles, because the ends of the bones may be larger than normal.
• Delayed appearance of teeth.
• Problems with tooth enamel.
• Delayed closing of the fontanel (the soft part at the top of the baby's head).
• Softening of the skull bones.
• ضعف النمو.
• Delayed crawling and walking.
• Bone fractures after falls or minor trauma.
• Bone pain.
• Muscle weakness.
• Abnormal curvature of the spine.

Infants and children with rickets are often angry and irritable because of their bone pain.

How is rickets diagnosed?

Your pediatrician may be able to diagnose rickets by doing the following

1. Question about the following

• Your family health history.
• Your child's symptoms.
• His general health.
• Types of foods he eats.

1. Conduct a physical examination, where the doctor will check for pain or sensitivity in the bones by gently pressing on them.
2. Blood tests, to measure calcium and phosphate levels in the blood.
3. X-rays of bones;
4. Bone biopsy, in rare cases by removing a very small portion of bone and sending it to a laboratory for analysis.
5. Urine tests.

Methods of treating rickets

Treatment for this disorder focuses on replacing the missing vitamin or mineral in your child's body, and this will eliminate the symptoms associated with it.

• Increase exposure to sunlight.
• Take calcium and vitamin D supplements daily.
• Encourage him to eat foods rich in vitamin D, such as fish, eggs, liver, and milk.

If there are skeletal deformities, your child may need to wear braces;

If your child suffers from hereditary rickets, the doctor may advise him to take phosphate supplements and high levels of vitamin D.

Learn about: Obesity in children | الأسباب والعلاج وأهم طرق الوقاية

Methods of preventing rickets

The best way to prevent this disorder is to follow a diet that contains calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.

Your child can be protected from this disorder by the following

1. Ensure women get good levels of vitamin D during pregnancy.
2. If you are fully breastfeeding your baby, he or she should be given vitamin D supplement drops, because breast milk does not contain enough of that vitamin to support your baby's bone growth.

Most children may need 400 IU of this vitamin daily.

1. Introducing solid foods to babies from four to six months old.
2. Eat a variety of foods rich in vitamin D, such as fish (especially red salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring), eggs, liver, and some types of mushrooms.
3. Spend time outside in the sun to produce vitamin D and get enough of this vital nutrient.

But it must be noted that hereditary rickets cannot be prevented. 

Frequently asked questions about rickets 

If your child suffers from this disorder, and you want to treat it;

Is rickets contagious?

No, rickets is not a contagious disease, because it is caused by a vitamin D deficiency.

What is the difference between rickets and rickets?

Bow legs is a medical condition in which one or both of your child's legs bend outward at the knees.

Is rickets hereditary?

Yes, it is possible for this disorder to occur as a result of genetic factors, and it is known as hereditary rickets, as it can be transmitted from one generation to another through genes.

In conclusion, you now understand, dear mother, what rickets is?

Therefore, if your child suffers from this disorder, you must go to Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, so that the best doctors can help you diagnose your child’s condition using the latest equipment, help him improve the quality of his tricks, and regain his movement.

Sources

Rickets – rch 

What is rickets? – healthline