How is rickets treated?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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How is rickets treated?

Rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The common nutritional deficiency of vitamin D, primarily due to insufficient intake, results in abnormal bone development. At this time, effectively supplementing vitamin D, engaging in appropriate outdoor activities, and receiving ample sunlight can treat rickets in children. However, there are some special cases, such as significant abnormalities in liver or kidney function, where treatment should be targeted based on the cause of the condition. In addition, some congenital genetic abnormalities causing disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism can make treatment more challenging.

Therefore, the treatment of rickets should be based on specific conditions. Generally, if it is simply a case of nutritional deficiency of vitamin D, the treatment outcome is quite favorable and the condition is considered self-limiting. Thus, if a vitamin D deficiency is detected, it is important to supplement promptly to prevent further abnormal bone development.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Which department should I go to for rickets?

Rickets, known as nutritional vitamin D deficiency rickets, is a chronic nutritional disease characterized by skeletal lesions, caused by a deficiency of vitamin D in the body leading to disturbed calcium and phosphate metabolism. In the early stages of rickets, it is primarily due to insufficient levels of vitamin D, which then leads to abnormal calcium and phosphate metabolism; at this stage, it is necessary to consult the endocrinology department to correct it timely. If rickets has already caused developmental deformities of the bones, orthopedic consultation is required for corrective treatment. For instance, if children exhibit pigeon chest, or noticeable bow legs or knock knees, they need to see an orthopedic specialist.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Can rickets be cured?

Rickets refers to a nutritional disease characterized by bone lesions caused by disorders in calcium and phosphorus metabolism due to a deficiency of vitamin D in the body. The primary treatment for rickets involves early detection and comprehensive treatment at an early stage, which is crucial. The general treatment goal is to control the active phase, prevent deformities, and avoid recurrence. Nutritional rickets due to a deficiency of vitamin D is a self-limiting disease; it can be cured once infants and young children engage in sufficient outdoor activities and supplement with vitamin D. Early detection of low vitamin D levels or abnormalities in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, along with early proactive intervention, can prevent the occurrence of skeletal deformities. If sequelae are present, there is no need for medication; mild to moderate cases should strengthen physical exercise, and skeletal deformities can be corrected through active or passive rehabilitation movements. Severe skeletal deformities can be corrected through surgical treatment.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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Should I take vitamin D or D3 for rickets?

Rickets should be treated with D3, but strictly speaking, what we commonly refer to as vitamin D is D3, just phrased differently. Vitamin D3 helps promote the absorption of calcium by bones, preventing the occurrence of rickets symptoms. The main clinical manifestations of rickets appear in the deformation of bones, such as square skull, pigeon chest, flaring ribs, X-shaped legs, O-shaped legs, and other changes in bone status. The nervous system can show symptoms such as night sweats, nervous excitability, balding at the back of the head, poor sleep quality, and easiness to cry. For rickets, it is necessary to diagnose early, timely supplement with vitamin D to prevent symptoms from worsening, and also to get more sunlight and engage in outdoor activities, which helps the body synthesize vitamin D and absorb calcium.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Early symptoms of rickets

Rickets is a chronic nutritional disease primarily caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D, which leads to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body, resulting in abnormal bone development. It is mostly seen in infants, especially common within the first six months, and particularly in babies younger than three months. Clinically, the symptoms are not very specific; the children may appear irritable and restless, they might cry suddenly, or become agitated and restless to the touch. Some children may exhibit excessive sweating, frequent head shaking, or even hair loss, leading to noticeable baldness at the back of the head. However, these symptoms are not very specific. Generally, blood biochemistry and Vitamin D levels need to be tested. Early X-ray findings of the bones can be normal.

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Written by Wang Xiao Jing
Pediatrics
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How to prevent skeletal deformities in rickets

Rickets is mainly caused by a deficiency of vitamin D. Therefore, within half a month after a child's birth, a preventive dose of oral vitamin D should be administered. Continue breastfeeding, allow the baby to get plenty of sunlight when the weather is warm, and timely introduce calcium-rich supplementary foods. In the early and active stages of rickets, appropriate supplementation with calcium and vitamin D can prevent the occurrence of skeletal deformities caused by the disease.