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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffVitamin D deficiency begins slowly before physical signs and symptoms of rickets appear. When rickets signs and symptoms develop, they may include:
- Skeletal deformities. These include bowed legs, abnormal curvature of the spine, pelvic deformities and breastbone projection in the chest.
- Fragile bones. Children with rickets are more prone to bone fractures.
- Impaired growth. Delayed growth in height or limbs may be a result of rickets.
- Dental problems. These include defects in tooth structure, increased chance of cavities, poor enamel and delayed formation of teeth.
- Bone pain. This includes dull, aching pain or tenderness in the spine, pelvis and legs.
- Muscle weakness. Decreased muscle tone may make movement uncomfortable.
When to see a doctor
If your child exhibits signs or symptoms of rickets, such as bone pain, muscle weakness or obvious skeletal problems, make an appointment with your child's doctor.
- Nield LS, et al. Rickets: Not a disease of the past. American Family Physician. 2006;74(4):619-626.
- Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine. 2007;357(3):266-81.
- Rauch F. Etiology and treatment of hypocalcemic rickets in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 19, 2008.
- Gilchrest BA. Sun exposure and vitamin D sufficiency. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2008;88(2)(suppl):570S-577S.
- Rauch F. Overview of rickets in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 19, 2008.
- Dietary reference intakes: Vitamins. Institute of Medicine. http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/54/411/DRIs.Vitamins.pdf. Accessed Aug. 19, 2008.
- Gartner LM, et al. Prevention of rickets and vitamin D deficiency: New guidelines for Vitamin D intake. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/111/4/908. Accessed Aug. 19, 2008.
- Dietary reference intakes: Elements. Institute of Medicine. http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/54/395/DRIs.Elements.pdf. Accessed Aug. 19, 2008.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 21, 2008.
