What is a meaning of rickets?

(RIH-kets) A condition in children in which bones become soft and deformed because they don’t have enough calcium and phosphorus. It is caused by not having enough vitamin D in the diet or by not getting enough sunlight.

What is the cause of rickets?

Your child’s body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. Rickets can occur if your child’s body doesn’t get enough vitamin D or if his or her body has problems using vitamin D properly. Occasionally, not getting enough calcium or lack of calcium and vitamin D can cause rickets.

Is rickets a disease?

Rickets is a condition that affects bone development in children. It causes bone pain, poor growth and soft, weak bones that can lead to bone deformities. Adults can experience a similar condition, which is known as osteomalacia or soft bones.

Is rickets a genetic disease?

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.

What do rickets look like?

pain – the bones affected by rickets can be sore and painful, so the child may be reluctant to walk or may tire easily; the child’s walk may look different (waddling) skeletal deformities – thickening of the ankles, wrists and knees, bowed legs, soft skull bones and, rarely, bending of the spine.

Do adults get rickets?

A condition in adults in which bones become soft and deformed because they don’t have enough calcium and phosphorus. It is usually caused by not having enough vitamin D in the diet, not getting enough sunlight, or a problem with the way the body uses vitamin D.

How can rickets be cured?

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 calcium levels can be increased by: eating more foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D. taking daily calcium and vitamin D supplements.

What is dog rickets?

Rickets is a rare disease of young, growing animals that causes soft and deformed bones. It is commonly caused by insufficient phosphorus or vitamin D in the diet. More rarely, calcium deficiency is to blame. An excess of calcium has caused rickets-like signs in some dogs.

What country is rickets most common?

Rickets is more common in regions of Asia where there is pollution and a lack of sunlight and/or low intake of meat due to a vegetarian diet. The Middle East is a region where Vitamin D deficiency rickets is prevalent due to lack of exposure to the sun because of cultural practices (purdah).

Can adults get rickets?

What are the long term effects of rickets?

If left untreated, a child with rickets is more prone to fractures of the bone. People with more severe and prolonged rickets may experience permanent bone deformities. Severely low calcium levels in the blood can lead to cramps, seizures, and breathing problems. In rare cases, rickets can weaken the heart muscles.