09810021264

Rickets - What You Should Know

Siora Surgicals

Rickets is one of those orthopedic conditions that occur in children and is characterized by weakening & softening of bones along with deformity. The cause of this condition is a prolonged deficiency of vitamin D. Though calcium is the main mineral required for healthy & strong bones yet without vitamin D, our body cannot absorb it. Lack of vitamin D also results in low phosphorus levels in bones and that results in rickets.

Rickets in maximum cases can be treated with medication but, more severe skeletal deformities might require surgical intervention. For international standard quality orthopedic devices, contact a reliable Orthopaedic Implant Manufacturer, Siora Surgicals.

What is Rickets?

Rickets is a skeletal disorder that is caused due to lack of essential minerals required for the growth of healthy bones. The main cause of rickets is lack of vitamin D for a long time and that makes our body deficient in calcium & phosphorus as well. Rickets is most commonly seen in children aged between 6 and 36 months. Stunted growth and short stature are the common symptoms noticed in rickets.

Who is at Risk for Getting Rickets?

Besides prolonged deficiency of vitamin D, there are certain other risk factors that could make a person prone to developing rickets. Below mentioned are the risk factors associated with rickets:

Age

As we have discussed above, rickets is common in children because they are in the growing stage and the lack of vitamin D quickly affects the health of the bone.

Diet

A diet that lacks enough vitamin D and calcium makes the person more prone to developing rickets. Children must drink at least a glass of milk daily as it is known as a great source of essential minerals required by our body. Apart from this, the chances of rickets are also high in people who find it difficult to digest milk or are allergic to milk sugar. Plus, infants who only consume breast milk could also develop rickets as it does not contain enough vitamin D that can prevent rickets.

Skin Color

People with dark skin tend to produce less vitamin D from sunlight and hence, they become more prone to developing rickets. Such people must take a vitamin D-rich diet to reduce the chances of rickets.

Genes

Though rare, rickets could also occur genetically as it can be an inherited one. This condition is known as hereditary rickets, and it decreases the ability of the kidney to absorb phosphorus.

What Are the Symptoms of Rickets?

Some of the common symptoms that may be noticed in Rickets include:

  • Pain in the bones

  • Tenderness

  • Short stature or stunted growth

  • Fractures

  • Muscle cramps

  • Skeletal deformities

  • Teeth deformities


If any of these symptoms are noticed, it is advised to consult an orthopedist without wasting much time. If the diagnosis and treatment in case of rickets is delayed, it could lead to permanent disability.

How is Rickets Diagnosed?

Physical examination to check pain and tenderness is the first step taken by the doctor during the diagnosis of the condition. Once confirmed, the doctor will also order certain tests including:

  • Blood examination to monitor calcium and phosphate levels

  • X-rays to check bone deformities

  • Bone biopsy may also be performed in rare cases


What is the Treatment of Rickets?

The aim of treatment here is to restore essential minerals in the body required for the growth of healthy bones. In maximum cases, the doctor prescribes supplements to increase vitamin D, calcium, & phosphorus and suggests increasing the exposure to sunlight. Besides this, a diet rich in vitamin D is also recommended that should include eggs, milk, fish, and liver.

In the case of skeletal deformities, braces might also be applied to restructure the bones. In severe cases, corrective surgery may be the only option.

Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. is an experienced manufacturer of different types of orthopedic implants that are required to treat different conditions like fractures, skeletal deformities, and limb length discrepancies. Siora is also looking for reliable Orthopedic distributors in Thailand.