Rickets is a childhood disease that affects the bones. It causes soft, weak, brittle bones. Children with rickets may present with bone deformities such as bowlegs, wide ankles and wide wrists, dental problems and delayed growth. Breastfed babies, African-American children and those with limited exposure to the sun have an increased risk for developing nutritional rickets, which is one of four types of rickets. Nutritional rickets is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D and is treated or cured by Vitamin D supplementation.
Step 1
See a doctor to confirm a rickets diagnosis by assessing your symptoms, taking x-rays of your bones, testing your blood for vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus levels and your urine for calcium.
Step 2
Take a vitamin D supplement. Your doctor will prescribe a dose of vitamin D based on your level of deficiency. Vitamin D supplements are available in two chemical forms, vitamin D2 -- ergocalciferol and vitamin D3 -- cholecalciferol. These may be administered orally or by the intramuscular route.
Step 3
Take a calcium and phosphorus supplement. Children with nutritional rickets may also have low levels of these minerals, therefore correcting the levels of calcium and phosphorous is necessary for the treatment of rickets.
Step 4
Have your progress monitored. Your doctor will need to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and make adjustments if necessary. He will order more blood tests and follow-up x-rays.
