Rickets Symptoms in Children and Adults
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DOMedically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DORickets is a medical condition that causes bones to become weak and soft. There are two types of rickets: one caused by a nutritional deficiency and the other hereditary. Rickets symptoms typically present in childhood and can cause lifelong effects.This article will discuss rickets symptoms, complications, and how to identify the condition. It will also discuss the relationship between rickets and osteomalacia.
Photo composite by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Rickets Symptoms Beginning in ChildhoodRickets is a condition not typically seen in newborns. It tends to develop during rapid growth in childhood. A lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate causes it. When someone is vitamin D deficient, the body releases calcium and phosphate from the bones, leading to bone weakening and softening. Rickets can also be caused by genetics. This form of rickets is caused by the kidney's inability to hold onto phosphate.PhysicalThere are physical symptoms of rickets. Not everyone will experience each symptom and the severity will vary from person to person. Signs to look for include:BowleggednessDecreased growthPoor muscle tonePoor postureProneness to bone fracturesRib and chest growth abnormalitiesSeizuresResearchers examined the relationship of skin conditions to rickets. The skin plays a key role in vitamin D development (synthesis). As a result, if someone has skin conditions that prohibit vitamin D synthesis then it could predispose them to rickets. Skin conditions related to rickets are:Alopecia (hair loss)Icthyosis (inherited disorders causing dry, scaly, thick skin)Xeroderma pigmentosum (rare condition causing skin and the tissue over the eye to be extremely sensitive to ultraviolet light)SensationsThe physical symptoms of rickets may be the most talked about but they are not the only type of symptom. The sensations that are felt when someone has developed rickets can be significant. The sensation symptoms include:DrowsinessBone tenderness or painMuscle crampsWhen Rickets Become Osteomalacia in AdultsAdults can develop a condition similar to rickets, called osteomalacia. While the two conditions are both characterized by soft bones, rickets occur in children, and osteomalacia tends to occur in adults but can occur at any age.While often discussed synonymously, the cellular process that occurs to cause rickets and osteomalacia is different.Adults are predisposed to developing osteomalacia if they do not receive enough vitamin D. People who have low vitamin D do not properly absorb calcium. This can result in osteomalacia. Those people who may have low vitamin D:Do not get enough sun exposureDo not get vitamin D from their dietDo not absorb vitamin D well in their intestinesThe symptoms of osteomalacia are:Bone fracture riskBone pain, particularly in the hipsMuscle spasms or cramps in hands and feetMuscle weaknessNumbness around mouth, arms, and legsComplications of Rickets SymptomsRickets causes many complications that can be felt throughout the body. Younger children whose bones do not develop properly will not grow well and will have difficulties with walking. Older children can have bone pain and bowed legs.Osteomalacia can cause several complications if not properly treated. Insufficiency fractures (also known as Looser zones), spinal compression fractures, and kyphoscoliosis are all potential complications.
Ricket ComorbiditiesA number of conditions can cause rickets. Low vitamin D levels, kidney conditions, intestinal absorption conditions, and liver conditions are all potential comorbidities that can cause and go along with rickets.
How to Identify Rickets Symptoms in ChildrenIdentifying rickets in children can be difficult. Many of the symptoms overlap with other conditions. There are a few clues that could help you determine if your child may have rickets, including:Check your family history. There is a form of inheritable rickets that can be passed down through families.Vitamin D deficiency is a common cause of rickets. If your child does not get enough vitamin D through diet or natural sunlight, they may develop a deficiency.Watch for unexplained muscle or bone pain, or if your child has bone fractures that cannot be attributed to anything else.When to See a Provider for RicketsAnyone who develops rickets needs to be seen by a healthcare provider. The provider will be able to determine the cause and develop a plan to prevent further bone damage.SummaryRickets is a health condition that develops in children who do not get enough vitamin D or may have developed as an inheritable condition. The symptoms vary but can include muscle pain, cramps, soft bones, and bone fractures. Anytime someone suspects they or someone in their family has rickets should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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