Rickets: what it looks like and what to do
Rickets is a bone-softening condition mostly seen in babies and young children. It happens when growing bones don’t get enough vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. That makes bones soft and weak, which can cause bowed legs, delayed walking, and dental problems. If you worry a child isn’t growing or looks bowed, this short guide tells you what to look for and the practical steps to take.
How to spot rickets
Start with the obvious signs. Look for bowed legs or knees that knock together, slow growth, a large soft spot on an infant’s head, and delayed tooth development. Kids may be irritable, have weak muscles, or complain of leg pain. In older teens and adults the same process is called osteomalacia and shows up as bone pain and muscle weakness.
Risk factors raise the odds: exclusively breastfed babies who don’t get vitamin D drops, little or no sunlight (indoors, heavy sunscreen, or high-latitude living), very dark skin, certain gut problems that stop nutrient absorption, and some rare genetic issues. If any of these apply and you notice symptoms, talk to your pediatrician.
Treating and preventing rickets
Diagnosis starts with a physical check, blood tests (calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, vitamin D) and X-rays. Treatment aims to replace missing vitamin D and calcium and to fix bones as they grow. For prevention, many health groups recommend vitamin D drops for breastfed babies—check local guidelines or ask your doctor. Fortified milk, a balanced diet, and safe sunlight exposure also help.
Practical tips you can use today: give vitamin D drops for infants as recommended by your healthcare provider; include vitamin D–fortified milk or formula in young children’s diets; encourage short, regular outdoor play when weather and skin safety allow—about 10–30 minutes a few times a week can help, though needs vary by skin tone and location. If a child has conditions that affect absorption or is on certain medications, the doctor may need to monitor levels and suggest stronger supplements.
When a doctor treats rickets, they may prescribe higher-dose vitamin D for a few weeks or months and add calcium supplements if needed. Most children respond well and catch up in growth once the deficiency is fixed, but early treatment works best to avoid lasting bone changes.
If you see seizures, severe muscle cramps, or signs of low calcium (tingling around the mouth, spasms), seek urgent care. For everyday concerns—slow growth, bowed legs, delayed walking—book a checkup and ask for vitamin D testing.
Rickets is preventable and treatable. With simple steps—supplements when advised, good nutrition, and sensible sun exposure—you can protect growing bones and keep kids on a healthy path.
