A condition most often seen in infancy and childhood, marked by
abnormal bone growth, whereby the excessive formation of
cartilage occurs at the ends of bones. Kinds of rickets include:
Celiac rickets - occurring as a result of one being
unable to absorb fat and calcium.
Renal rickets - occurring as a result of long-term kidney
swelling.
Vitamin D resistant rickets - affecting mainly men, this disease
occurs as a result of a birth defect in part of the kidney.
Causes
Rickets is due to a combination of factors, including that of
a lack of vitamin D (essential for calcification of the bones),
calcium and phosphorus.
Symptoms
In infants, symptoms are marked by restlessness and hampered
fusion of the skull bones, often resulting in a badly shaped
skull. Milestones may also be reached later than normal, with
the infant battling to grasp the art of sitting, crawling and
walking. Muscle tenderness, swelling of the liver and spleen
bowlegs and knock-knees and a curved spine can also be expected.
However, these symptoms will vary according to the degree of the
vitamin D deficiency.
Prevention and treatment
Sensible periods of sunlight exposure and a diet rich in
calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D are recommended to avoid the
onset of rickets. To overcome the deficiency, concentrated forms
of vitamin D would need to be prescribed.
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