Rickets is a term that describes a disruption of normal bone formation in infants and children.
Signs and symptoms of rickets can include
- marked bending and distortion of bones,
- softness of the infant's skull (craniotabes),
- enlargement of the front end of the ribs,
- thickening of the wrists and ankles,
- abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis), and
- deforming and narrowing of the pelvis.
As the affected child learns to walk, the weight on the soft shafts of the legs results in visible deformity such as knock-knees or bowlegs.
Causes of rickets
A deficiency of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, typically causes rickets; the result is a weakening and softening of the developing bones. Any cause of vitamin D deficiency, left untreated, may cause rickets.
Other rickets symptoms and signs
- Abnormal Curvature of the Spine (Scoliosis)
- Bowlegs or Knock-Knees
- Deforming and Narrowing of the Pelvis
- Enlargement of the Front End of the Ribs
- Marked Bending and Distortion of Bones
- Softness of the Infant's Skull (Craniotabes)
- Thickening of the Wrists and Ankles
Main Article on Rickets Symptoms and Signs
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