National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Rickets


Other Names:
Vitamin-D deficiency rickets; Nutritional rickets; Hypovitaminosis D; Vitamin-D deficiency rickets; Nutritional rickets; Hypovitaminosis D; Vitamin D deficiency disease See More
Categories:
Rickets is a condition that causes children to have soft, weak bones. It usually occurs when children do not get enough vitamin D, which helps growing bones absorb important nutrients. Vitamin D comes from sunlight and food. Skin produces vitamin D in response to the sun's rays. Some foods also contain vitamin D, including fortified dairy products and cereals, and some kinds of fish.[1]
Last updated: 7/26/2013
The signs and symptoms of rickets include:[2][3]
  • Bone pain or tenderness
  • Bowed (curved) legs
  • Large forehead
  • Stunted growth
  • Abnormally curved spine
  • Large abdomen
  • Abnormally shaped ribs and breastbone
  • Wide wrist and elbow joints
  • Teeth abnormalities
Last updated: 7/26/2013
Rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D. A child might not get enough vitamin D if he or she:[1]
  • Has dark skin
  • Spends too little time outside
  • Has on sunscreen all the time when out of doors
  • Doesn't eat foods containing vitamin D because of lactose intolerance or a strict vegetarian diet
  • Is breastfed without receiving vitamin D supplements
  • Can't make or use vitamin D because of a medical disorder such as celiac disease
  • Has an inherited disorder that affects vitamin D levels
    • Last updated: 7/26/2013
    Rickets is typically diagnosed using specific blood tests and x-rays. Blood tests usually show low levels of calcium and phosphorus and high levels of alkaline phosphatase. Bone x-rays may show areas with calcium loss or changes in bone shape. Bone biopsies are rarely performed, but can confirm the diagnosis of rickets.[2]
    Last updated: 7/26/2013
    The treatment for rickets depends on the cause of the condition. If rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D in the diet, then it is usually treated with carefully adjusted levels of vitamin D and calcium. The child's condition may improve within a few weeks of treatment. If rickets is caused by an inherited disorder or another medical condition, a healthcare provider would determine the appropriate treatment.[3]
    Last updated: 7/26/2013

    Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

    Clinical Research Resources

    • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Rickets. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

      Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

    These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

    Where to Start

    • Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Rickets. This website is maintained by the National Library of Medicine.
    • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
    • The Office of Dietary Supplements provides more information on vitamin D. You can view this information by clicking on the Office of Dietary Supplements link.

    In-Depth Information

    • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
    • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
    • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Rickets. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

    Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

    • My baby has been diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. He has also been found to have high levels of parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase. An x-ray examination did not show any signs of rickets. Is it true that babies younger than 6 months may not have signs of rickets on x-ray? I would like to learn as much as possible about rickets, including how it is diagnosed. See answer


    1. Rickets. MedlinePlus Web site. September 9, 2007; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rickets.html. Accessed 4/14/2008.
    2. Van Voorhees BW. Rickets. MedlinePlus Web site. August 18, 2008; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000344.htm. Accessed 4/14/2008.
    3. Rickets: What It Is and How It's Treated. FamilyDoctor.org. September 2007; http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/special/bone/902.printerview.html. Accessed 4/14/2008.