Rickets Treatment

What is Rickets?

Rickets is a childhood bone disorder caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, leading to soft and weak bones. It primarily affects children during growth phases and may result in bowlegs, knock knees, delayed milestones, and bone deformities.

Rickets is preventable and treatable, especially when diagnosed early. At Child OrthoCare, we offer comprehensive medical and surgical care to help children regain bone strength and proper alignment.

Key Facts About Rickets

• Most common in children aged 6 months to 3 years
• Caused by poor sunlight exposure or nutritional deficiency
• Common symptoms include delayed walking, bowed legs, and bone pain
• Early diagnosis can reverse symptoms with proper treatment
• Severe cases may need orthopedic correction

Causes of Rickets

Rickets may develop due to:

• Vitamin D deficiency from lack of sun exposure
• Calcium or phosphate deficiency in diet
• Malabsorption syndromes (e.g., celiac disease)
• Chronic kidney or liver disease affecting vitamin D metabolism
• Genetic disorders like hypophosphatemic rickets (rare)

In India and other tropical countries, cultural practices that limit sun exposure and poor dietary intake are leading causes.

Symptoms and Consequences

Early Signs Parents May Notice:

• Bowlegs or knock knees
• Delayed crawling or walking
• Swelling at wrists, knees, or ribs
• Bone tenderness and easy fractures
• Weak muscle tone or delayed development
• Dental problems

If Left Untreated:

• Progressive bone deformities
• Stunted growth
• Poor posture and joint problems
• Permanent limb misalignment
• Pain and mobility limitations

Rickets Treatment at Child OrthoCare

At Child OrthoCare, led by pediatric orthopedic expert Dr. Nargesh Agrawal, we offer complete care — from diagnosis to bone correction.

1. Accurate Diagnosis:

• Clinical exam of bones and joints
• Blood tests for calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, and alkaline phosphatase
• X-rays to assess bone density and deformities
• Specialized tests for genetic rickets if needed

2. Medical Management:

• Vitamin D and calcium supplements
• Nutritional guidance for parents
• Sunlight exposure recommendations
• Regular blood monitoring

3. Physiotherapy and Monitoring:

• Exercises to improve muscle tone and mobility
• Gait observation for deformity progression
• Growth tracking and repeat imaging

4. Surgical Correction (if needed):

• For persistent bowlegs, knock knees, or bone curvature
• Guided growth surgery (temporary plates) or osteotomy
• Focus on restoring function and straight limb alignment

Did You Know?

• Even in sunny countries like India, vitamin D deficiency is common due to limited outdoor activity and covered clothing
• Breastfed babies may need vitamin D supplementation if not exposed to sunlight
• Rickets is rare in children who play outdoors regularly and consume fortified foods
• Early treatment can fully reverse most symptoms

Myths and Facts About Rickets

Myth: Rickets only happens in poor or malnourished children.
Fact: Even well-fed children can develop rickets due to vitamin D deficiency.

Myth: All bowlegs mean rickets.
Fact: Physiologic bowlegs are common under age 2; true rickets needs blood tests and X-rays for diagnosis.

Myth: Sunlight alone is enough to prevent rickets.
Fact: In some cases, supplementation is essential, especially in winter or urban areas.

Myth: Rickets always needs surgery.
Fact: Most cases improve with medical treatment; surgery is only needed for severe deformities.