Rickets Disease Research Paper

Rickets Disease

Rickets is a bone disorder found in children that causes the bones to soften and weaken before the fusion of the growth plate. The adult version of this disease is called osteomalacia. In both adults and children it is caused by a long term and extreme vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D allows for calcium and phosphorous to be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract which is necessary for bones to have their mechanical properties. In children Rickets can result in bone pain, slow growth, increase risk of fractures and bone deformities, such as scoliosis, bowed legs, and thickening of the ankles, wrists, and knees.

The main cause of Rickets is lack of vitamin D resulting from the child not getting enough or not being able to absorb it properly. Two main sources of vitamin D are from the sun and food. The ultraviolet light from the sun interacts with the skin cells and synthesizes vitamin D. The populations of children most at risk for developing Rickets from lack of sun exposure are children with dark skin because their

These children can experience pain in their bones that makes them reluctant to walk, fatigue easily, and waddle as they walk. Skeletal deformities are also common such as thickening of the ankles, wrists, and knees, bowed legs, soft skull bones, and scoliosis. Weak teeth are also common that are prone to cavities and are delayed in coming in. Another common symptom of Rickets is fragile bones that are prone to fractures and delayed bone growth and development. The lack of vitamin D also can cause low calcium levels in the blood that can result in muscle cramps, twitching, and tingling in the extremities. Rickets is diagnosed by a physical exam where the doctor gently presses on the bones checking for these abnormalities. X-rays can also be done to check for deformities and urine and blood tests can be performed to confirm the diagnosis and monitor