Rickets: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Treat It

Did you know that a disease once thought extinct still shows up in kids today? Rickets is a bone‑weakening condition that mostly hits growing children whose bodies lack enough vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorous. When those nutrients are missing, the bones can’t harden properly, leading to soft, bendy limbs and other health problems.

Causes and Risk Factors

The biggest driver of rickets is vitamin D deficiency. Your skin makes vitamin D when it catches sunlight, so kids who spend a lot of time indoors, wear heavy clothing, or live in cloudy regions are at higher risk. Dark‑skinned children also need more sun exposure because melanin blocks vitamin D production.

Diet matters, too. Families that don’t eat enough fortified milk, cheese, eggs, or fish may miss out on vitamin D and calcium. Some medical conditions, like kidney disease or gut disorders, can stop the body from absorbing these nutrients, pushing a child toward rickets even if the diet looks okay.

Other red flags include premature birth, exclusive breastfeeding without vitamin D drops, and certain genetic disorders that affect bone metabolism. If any of these apply, keep a close eye on growth and bone health.

Treatment and Prevention

The good news? Rickets is usually reversible with the right steps. Doctors typically prescribe vitamin D supplements, often as drops for younger kids or pills for older children. Calcium supplements may be added if blood tests show low calcium levels.

Nutrition is a big part of the fix. Encourage dairy products, fortified cereals, and oily fish like salmon or sardines. For families who can’t get enough dairy, fortified plant milks or orange juice work well.

Sunlight is free therapy. A short daily walk outside—about 10–15 minutes of skin exposure—can boost vitamin D levels quickly. Just avoid the sunburn zone; a bit of sunshine on the arms and face is enough.

Regular check‑ups help track progress. Doctors will repeat blood tests and may take X‑rays to see if the bones are healing. Most kids start to feel stronger and show better growth within a few months of treatment.

Prevention is a lifelong habit. Keep vitamin D drops handy for infants, especially if they’re breastfed. Make sure school meals include fortified foods, and educate kids about spending safe time outdoors. Simple changes—like swapping sugary snacks for a glass of milk—can keep rickets off the radar.

If you suspect rickets—look for symptoms like bowed legs, thickened wrists, delayed walking, or bone pain—don’t wait. A quick visit to the pediatrician can confirm the diagnosis and set a treatment plan in motion. Early action means a healthier, stronger future for your child.