Rickets
Treating rickets
As most cases of rickets are caused by a vitamin D and calcium deficiency, it's usually treated by increasing a child's intake of vitamin D and calcium .
Vitamin D and calciumlevels can be increased by:
- eating more foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D
- taking daily calcium and vitamin D supplements
- having a vitamin D injection each year this is only necessary if the child can't take the supplements by mouth or has intestinal or liver disease
Sunlight also contains vitamin D, so you may be advised to increase the amount of time your child spends outside.
Your GP will advise you about how much vitamin D and calcium your child will need to take. This will depend on their age and the cause of rickets. If your child has problems absorbing vitamins, they may need a higher dose.
See preventing rickets for more information about dietary sources of vitamin D and calcium, as well as advice about getting vitamin D from sunlight .
Treating complications and related conditions
When rickets occurs as a complication of another medical condition, treating the underlying condition will often cure the rickets.
If your child has a bone deformity caused by rickets, such as bowed legs or curvature of the spine, your GP may suggest treatment to correct it. This may include surgery.
Genetic rickets
Acombination of phosphate supplements and a special form of vitamin D is required for the treatment ofhypophosphatemic rickets, where a genetic defect causes abnormalities in the way the kidneys and bones deal with phosphate.
Children with other types of genetic rickets need very large amounts of a special type of vitamin D treatment.
Supplement side effects
It's very unusual to get side effects from vitamin D, calcium or phosphate supplements if they're given in the correct dose.Your doctor will advise you about how much supplement is needed, for how long, and the monitoring of treatment.
If the vitamin D or calcium dose is too high or the treatment is continued for too long or isn't carefully monitored, it can raise calcium levels in the blood. This can result in a condition called hypercalcaemia.
Symptoms of hypercalcaemia include:
- passing a lot of urine
- feeling thirsty
- reduced appetite
- nausea, abdominal pain, Constipation and vomiting
- dizziness and headaches
- bone pain
See your GP immediately if you or your child have any of these symptoms.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016
Introduction
Rickets is a condition that affects bone development in children. It causes the bones to become soft and weak, which can lead to bone deformities.
Signs and symptoms of rickets
Signs and symptoms of rickets can include painful bones, skeletal deformities, dental problems, poor growth and development, and fragile bones.
Causes of rickets
Rickets usually occurs because of a lack of vitamin D or calcium, although it can also be caused by a genetic defect or another health condition.
Treating rickets
As most cases of rickets are caused by a vitamin D and calcium deficiency, it's usually treated by increasing a child's intake of vitamin D and calcium.
Preventing rickets
There are several steps you can take to help prevent rickets. These include ensuring your child has a healthy, balanced diet and spends some time outside in the sun.
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