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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffThe aim of treatment for rickets is to solve the underlying disorder. If deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus are at fault, replacing vitamin D and those minerals generally eliminates the signs and symptoms of rickets, such as bone tenderness and muscle weakness. Improvement generally occurs within three months.
Your doctor may prescribe a vitamin D supplement or ask you to increase your intake of vitamin D-fortified foods, including fortified breakfast cereal, orange juice, fish and processed milk.
Getting a sufficient intake of calcium is crucial to maintaining healthy bones. Your doctor can suggest an appropriate level of calcium intake depending on your age and whether you have absorption problems. The combination of increased vitamin D intake with calcium may be enough to eliminate the effects of rickets entirely.
Treating complications
For some cases of bowlegs or spinal deformities, your doctor may suggest special bracing to position your child's body appropriately as the bones grow. More severe skeletal deformities may require surgery.
- 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.
