Rickets

Rickets is characterized by deficiency of Vitamin D. In the recent years, it has become more common. This is secondary to a number of reasons. One important reason is the diet of children has changed over a period of time. Mothers themselves are deficient in vitamin D.  Such newborns are vitamin D deficient as their mothers are also vitamin D deficient. When they breast feed their child, the newborn does not get enough vitamin D. Over a period of time as the child gets older they don’t take enough milk and the diet is deficient in milk and dairy products. The concentration is more on junk food. Another very important factor is the residential style of living. People tend to stay in small congested flats where there is little sunlight. Sunlight is necessary for activation of Vitamin D. The recent changes in life style has led to children either watching television or playing games on the computer. Children do not spend time playing outside and hence there is less exposure to sunlight.

The child complains of weakness and aches and pains in the legs. There is a feeling of weakness and tiredness. The height of the child is also affected. There is widening of the wrists and ribs become prominent. Management is giving vitamin D and Calcium. Daily exposure to sunlight as well as taking dairy products. Early morning sunlight is beneficial for activation of vitamin D.