Rickets
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Rickets
Rickets is a rare disease that results in soft, weak, and pliable bones. It is caused mainly by a lack of vitamin D.
Rickets most commonly affects children, who may have low vitamin D levels due to poor diet or a condition (such as celiac disease) that makes it difficult for the body to absorb vitamin D and calcium.
Rickets can lead to bone deformities such as bowlegs, knock-knees, an enlarged skull, and an abnormal curve in the spine. It also can cause muscle pain, weakness, and sweating.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jerry S. Trier, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Last Updated | June 23, 2008 |
| Last updated: | June 23, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Monica Rhodes |
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Jerry S. Trier, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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