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Rickets Treatment Experts In Pune
Get advanced rickets treatment in Pune with pediatric orthopedic specialists providing precise diagnosis, vitamin therapy, and bone deformity correction.
Overview
Rickets is a metabolic bone disease that occurs when growing bones fail to mineralize properly. This condition specifically affects children during their crucial growth periods when bones are rapidly developing and hardening. The disease fundamentally disrupts the normal process of bone formation, leading to structural weakness and deformities that can have lasting effects on a child’s physical development and quality of life.
The condition primarily results from the body’s inability to properly absorb and utilize calcium and phosphate—essential minerals needed for strong, healthy bones. When these minerals are not adequately incorporated into the bone matrix, the skeletal system becomes compromised, leading to the characteristic features of rickets.
Symptoms
Rickets symptoms can vary significantly in severity and may develop gradually over time. Parents should be aware of these warning signs:
- Delayed growth and development compared to peers
- Bone pain and tenderness, particularly in the legs, pelvis, and spine
- Visible skeletal deformities including bowed legs, knock knees, thickened wrists and ankles, and protruding chest (pigeon chest)
- Dental problems such as delayed tooth eruption and weak tooth enamel
- Muscle weakness and reduced muscle tone
- Increased susceptibility to bone fractures
- Skull abnormalities including delayed closure of soft spots (fontanelles) and skull softening
In severe cases, children may experience seizures due to extremely low calcium levels in the blood, which requires immediate medical attention.
Causes
Understanding what rickets is caused by is crucial for prevention and treatment. The primary cause is vitamin D deficiency, which can occur due to several factors:
Rickets is caused by the deficiency of vitamin D, which leads to impaired calcium absorption from the intestines. This deficiency can result from:
- Inadequate dietary intake of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate
- Insufficient sunlight exposure, as UV-B rays are essential for the body’s natural vitamin D production
- Malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, or inflammatory bowel disease
- Genetic disorders affecting how the body processes vitamin D or phosphate
- Chronic kidney or liver diseases that interfere with vitamin D activation
Risk Factors
Several factors increase a child’s likelihood of developing rickets:
- Exclusive breastfeeding without vitamin D supplementation, especially when the mother is vitamin D deficient
- Dark skin pigmentation, which reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight
- Living in areas with limited sunlight due to geography, pollution, or cultural practices requiring extensive body covering
- Premature birth, as premature babies have lower vitamin D stores
- Poor nutritional status or malnutrition
Certain medical conditions that affect nutrient absorption or metabolism
Diagnosis
Rickets diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation combining clinical assessment, laboratory tests, and imaging studies:
- Healthcare providers will conduct a thorough physical examination to identify characteristic bone deformities and assess growth patterns.
- Blood tests measure levels of calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (typically elevated in rickets), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, which is the most reliable indicator of vitamin D status in the body.
- X-rays of affected bones reveal distinctive changes, including cupping, fraying, and widening of the growth plates.
- Additional tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions or identify underlying causes of malabsorption.
Types
Types of rickets are classified based on their underlying causes:
- Nutritional rickets: The most common form, directly caused by vitamin D deficiency due to inadequate intake or sunlight exposure
- Vitamin D-resistant rickets: Caused by genetic mutations that affect how the body processes vitamin D or responds to it
- Hypophosphatemic rickets: Results from excessive phosphate loss through the kidneys, often hereditary
- Renal rickets: Develops due to chronic kidney disease that impairs vitamin D activation
Stages
Rickets progresses through distinct stages as bone mineralization deteriorates:
- Early stage: Mild symptoms with subtle biochemical changes and initial bone abnormalities visible on X-rays
- Progressive stage: More pronounced bone deformities, elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, and increasingly apparent clinical symptoms
- Severe stage: Marked skeletal deformities, significant growth retardation, and complications such as frequent fractures
Treatment
Rickets treatment focuses on correcting the underlying vitamin D deficiency and restoring proper mineral balance:
- Vitamin D supplementation: Oral vitamin D2 or D3 supplements, with dosage determined by the severity of deficiency and the child’s age
- Calcium supplementation: Ensures adequate mineral supply for proper bone formation
- Dietary modifications: Incorporating vitamin D-rich foods such as fortified milk, fish oils, and egg yolks
- Supervised sunlight exposure: Safe and adequate sun exposure to stimulate the body’s natural vitamin D production
- Treatment of underlying conditions: Addressing any malabsorption disorders or metabolic conditions that may be contributing to the deficiency
For genetic forms of rickets, specialized treatments may include phosphate supplements or active vitamin D analogs under careful medical supervision.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in managing skeletal deformities and improving function:
- Orthopedic interventions: Bracing or surgical procedures may be necessary for severe bone deformities
- Physical therapy: Strengthens muscles, improves mobility, and supports normal developmental milestones
- Regular monitoring: Ongoing assessment to evaluate treatment response and prevent complications
Complications
Untreated rickets can lead to serious long-term complications:
- Permanent bone deformities such as bowed legs or spinal curvature
- Growth retardation and short stature
- Increased risk of fractures due to weakened bone structure
- Dental abnormalities affecting both baby and permanent teeth
- Seizures caused by dangerously low calcium levels
- Respiratory problems due to chest wall deformities that can affect breathing
Prevention
Prevention of rickets involves ensuring adequate vitamin D and mineral intake:
- Vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants and children at risk
- Encouraging safe sunlight exposure while avoiding harmful UV radiation
- Promoting a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
- Screening high-risk populations for early detection and intervention
Public health measures, including food fortification with vitamin D, have proven effective in reducing rickets incidence in many countries.
Living With Rickets
With proper diagnosis and treatment, children with rickets can lead healthy, active lives. Parents and caregivers should:
- Follow medical advice regarding supplementation and dietary recommendations consistently.
- Ensure regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
- Support physical activity and rehabilitation exercises as recommended by healthcare professionals. Stay vigilant for any signs of bone pain, new deformities, or other concerning symptoms.
Key Takeaways
- Rickets is a preventable bone disease in children primarily caused by vitamin D deficiency, leading to soft, weak bones and potential deformities
- Early recognition of symptoms such as bone pain, delayed growth, and skeletal deformities is crucial for timely intervention
- Diagnosis involves clinical assessment, blood tests measuring vitamin D levels, and X-rays showing characteristic bone changes
- Treatment focuses on vitamin D and calcium supplementation, dietary improvements, and safe sunlight exposure
- Prevention through adequate nutrition, supplementation, and regular medical screening is the most effective approach
- Sancheti Hospital provides comprehensive pediatric orthopedic care, including specialized diagnosis and treatment for rickets, ensuring children receive expert medical attention and rehabilitation services to support healthy bone development and prevent long-term complications.
Meet Our Pediatric Orthopedic Specialists
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes vitamin D deficiency leading to rickets?
Vitamin D deficiency can result from insufficient dietary intake, lack of sunlight exposure, malabsorption disorders, or certain medical conditions affecting vitamin D metabolism.
Can rickets be completely cured?
Yes, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment including vitamin D and calcium supplementation, rickets can be effectively treated and bone health restored.
Is sunlight exposure safe for preventing rickets?
Moderate, safe sunlight exposure is important for vitamin D synthesis. However, excessive sun exposure should be avoided to reduce the risk of skin damage.
Are all children at risk for rickets?
Children who are exclusively breastfed without vitamin D supplementation, have darker skin, limited sun exposure, or poor nutrition are at higher risk.
Can adults get rickets?
Adults can develop a similar condition called osteomalacia, which also involves bone softening due to vitamin D deficiency, but rickets specifically affects growing bones in children.
