What are the causes and symptoms of rickets?

Rickets is a disease that can affect people of all ages, but is especially common in children and the elderly. It is worth understanding what rickets is, its causes, symptoms and how it can be prevented and treated. In this article we will take a closer look at this topic.

What is rickets?

Rickets, also called osteomalacia in adults, is a disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus in the body. Vitamin D is necessary for the proper absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the digestive tract. When this vitamin is missing, the body is unable to maintain adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus, which leads to weakened bones.

Rickets – causes. how to prevent?

The main cause of rickets is vitamin D deficiency. There are many factors that can lead to this deficiency, such as insufficient sun exposure, a diet low in vitamin D, problems with the absorption of this vitamin through the digestive tract, and certain diseases that affect the metabolism of vitamin D .

To prevent rickets, it is worth ensuring an adequate supply of vitamin D by:

• Regular walks outdoors, especially on sunny days.
• Including foods rich in vitamin D in your diet, such as oily fish, eggs, milk and dairy products.
• Vitamin D supplementation, especially for people who are at risk of deficiency.

Rickets – symptoms

Symptoms of rickets may vary and depend on the degree of vitamin D deficiency and the duration of the disease. Some of the common symptoms are:

• Bone and joint pain, especially in the spine, hips and legs.
• Muscle swelling.
• Growth disorders in children.
• Muscle weakness.
• Pain when pressure is applied to the bones.

Symptoms of rickets may be mild or worsen over time. In more severe cases, bone deformation and serious complications may occur.

Treatment of rickets

Treatment of rickets mainly involves supplementing the deficiency of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus. Depending on the severity of the disease and the causes of its occurrence, your doctor may recommend appropriate doses of supplements and changes in your diet. It is also important to treat possible complications, such as bone deformations.

Your suggestions

If you have any suggestions on the topic of rickets, we’d love to hear them. Maybe you have experience in dealing with this disease or interesting information about it? Share them in the comments below.

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Rickets is a serious disease that can lead to serious complications, but it is also largely avoidable with appropriate prevention. Let’s take care of our musculoskeletal health by providing the body with the necessary nutrients, regularly enjoying sunlight and consulting a doctor if any symptoms of rickets occur.