Can rickets be cured?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on May 15, 2025
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Rickets is a type of disease caused by a lack of vitamin D, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body, and resulting in abnormal bone development. The most common form of this disease is nutritional rickets caused by a deficiency of vitamin D. This type of rickets is curable as it is a self-limiting disease. Generally, timely supplementation of vitamin D and calcium, along with sufficient outdoor activities, can lead to recovery after treatment. However, there are some special cases, such as severe liver and kidney diseases, which require addressing the root cause before the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can be alleviated. Additionally, there are some genetic diseases for which vitamin D supplementation is ineffective, making their treatment more challenging.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
57sec home-news-image

Why does rickets cause sweating?

Rickets is a chronic, nutritional disease characterized by skeletal lesions due to a deficiency of vitamin D in the body, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. It is primarily caused by a lack of vitamin D, which can increase neural excitability. Research shows that the vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, is not only an essential nutrient but also a precursor to hormones. It is potentially related to various cells including those in the thyroid, pancreas, stomach, brain, and those involved with calcium balance, as well as the immune, endocrine, reproductive systems, skin, and tumors. A deficiency in vitamin D can increase myocardial excitability and lead to symptoms like excessive sweating.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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The difference between rickets and dwarfism.

Rickets is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D in infants and young children, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and resulting in skeletal abnormalities as a characteristic of this chronic nutritional disease. Typical symptoms can include changes in the bones, especially in the fastest growing parts of the skeleton, and can affect muscle development and changes in neural excitability. Symptoms such as a "ping pong ball" head, square skull, pigeon chest, funnel chest, and eversion of the rib margins are also observed. Diagnosis is made through examinations such as vitamin D levels and skeletal X-rays. Dwarfism, on the other hand, is a growth disorder caused by a deficiency of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland before puberty. Its clinical manifestations are primarily growth disturbances, characterized by a short, proportionate stature. Adults with this condition often retain a child-like appearance, and their bone development is delayed with bone age younger than their chronological age. Intellect corresponds to their age, and sexual development may also be disrupted.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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What department should I see for rickets?

Rickets is a nutritional disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, which leads to a disorder of calcium and phosphorus metabolism and consequently abnormal bone development. In the early and active stages of rickets, the main symptoms are low levels of vitamin D and disordered calcium and phosphorus metabolism. At this stage, bone development abnormalities may not be clearly noticeable, so it is recommended to consult an endocrinology department. During the residual stage, when skeletal deformities appear, rehabilitation treatment is necessary, and consultation with a pediatric rehabilitation department is advisable. Severe skeletal deformities may require surgical correction, necessitating consultation with an orthopedic department.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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Will the frontal bossing from rickets get better?

Rickets, if presenting with frontal bossing, can recover depending on the specific condition and age of the child. Rickets is often divided into four stages, with sequelae usually occurring after the age of three. Therefore, if symptoms of rickets are present before the age of three, they can be alleviated through supplementation with vitamin D, calcium, and other trace elements. Symptoms of rickets include craniotabes, Harrison's groove, beading of the ribs, pigeon chest, everted ribs, bowlegs, and knock-knees. Frontal bossing is often a manifestation of craniotabes, which usually occurs during infancy. Supplementing with vitamin D during this period can greatly alleviate the condition. At the same time, it is important to also expose the child to sunlight and engage in outdoor activities to promote the bones' absorption of vitamin D and calcium, preventing the recurrence of symptoms.

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

Rickets, fully known as nutritional vitamin D deficiency rickets, is a chronic nutritional disease characterized by skeletal lesions in children caused by insufficient vitamin D leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. In the early stages of rickets, the main issues are disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and low levels of vitamin D. At this time, one can consult the endocrinology department to check the child's trace elements. If sequelae have already formed, such as obvious pigeon chest or developmental deformities of the lower limbs bones, then it would be appropriate to consult an orthopedic department for corrective treatment.