What is rickets? Rickets is a complex medical condition that predominantly impacts the developmental trajectory of bones in children, culminating in the manifestation of bones that are notably delicate, pliable, and contorted. This ailment stems from a deficiency in critical nutrients, namely vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, all of which are indispensable for the preservation of optimal bone integrity. The condition of rickets can be categorized into distinct types, contingent upon the root cause and the specific nutrient deficiency involved. Nutritional Rickets: This form stands as the most prevalent variant of rickets and is primarily provoked by an insufficiency in either vitamin D, calcium, or a deficiency in both of these vital elements. Vitamin D plays an indispensable role in facilitating the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the dietary intake. In instances where vitamin D is insufficient, the body's capacity to mineralize bones is compromised, thereby resulting in the development of bones that are soft and weakened. This type is often linked to inadequate exposure to sunlight, an inadequately balanced diet deficient in vitamin D and calcium, or certain medical conditions that hinder the absorption or metabolism of vitamin D. Hypophosphatemic Rickets: This particular variant is relatively rare and transpires due to diminished levels of phosphate within the bloodstream. Phosphate stands as yet another indispensable mineral requisite for proper bone mineralization, and its deficiency can precipitate inappropriate bone growth and mineralization. Hypophosphatemic rickets is usually hereditary and arises from an impairment in the body's ability to reabsorb this nutrient within the kidneys, resulting in its depletion within the bloodstream. Renal Rickets: Renal rickets is primarily observed in children afflicted with chronic kidney disease. The kidneys perform a pivotal role in maintaining the body's mineral equilibrium, including the regulation of calcium and phosphate levels. When the kidneys become unable to adequately control these essential minerals, it can lead to aberrant bone growth, frailty, and deformations. What Are the Causes of Rickets in Children? You might notice that the reasons kids get rickets don’t come from just one place—there’s usually a mix of dietary gaps, sunlight habits, genetics, and underlying medical issues working together. Now, some factors are firmly in your control, while others aren’t, and that’s where things get a bit tricky. Dietary causes:You see this often when dietary intake of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus drops too low. Nutrient deficiency builds quietly, especially when kids don’t eat fortified foods or have limited variety. Environmental causes:Sunlight exposure drives skin synthesis of vitamin D, but heavy sunscreen use, long indoor hours, or living in cloudy regions can limit that. CDC reports continue to show rising child vitamin D issues in America because of modern indoor lifestyles. Genetic causes:Genetic mutation patterns affect vitamin D metabolism, and you’ll notice these fall into the non‑modifiable camp. They’re uncommon but powerful risk factors. Medical causes:Malabsorption problems and autoimmune diseases interfere with nutrient absorption, creating rickets risk factors even when diet looks fine on paper. When you understand which of these common causes of rickets apply to your situation, you can actually start adjusting the modifiable pieces first—usually the easiest wins. How to recognize the symptoms of rickets? Below are the key signs of rickets you should watch out for. Delayed growth and development Children with rickets may have a slower rate of growth compared to their peers, resulting in a noticeable lag in height and weight gain. Bowing of the legs The long bones in the legs, such as the femur and tibia, may become weakened and bend under the weight of the body. This can lead to a characteristic bow-legged appearance in affected children. Deformities in the spine and ribcage Rickets can also affect the spine and ribcage, contributing to deformities, like kyphosis (an abnormal forward curvature of the upper spine) or lordosis (an exaggerated inward curvature of the lower spine). Additionally, the ribcage may become distorted, causing a characteristic "pigeon chest" appearance. Muscle weakness and pain The weakened bones and improper bone mineralization can put additional strain on the muscles, resulting in discomfort and reduced physical activity. Dental issues Rickets can affect the development of teeth, leading to dental problems, such as delayed eruption of teeth, improper alignment, and an increased risk of cavities. Enamel defects and a higher susceptibility to tooth decay are also common. Does Having Rickets Affect a Child’s Height? Yes—rickets absolutely can affect your child's height, and not just a little. You’re not just looking at sore legs or a soft skull here… this condition goes deeper. What’s really happening is that the bones aren’t hardening the way they should. That softness at the growth plates—the epiphyseal plates—throws off the natural elongation process. So instead of steady vertical growth, you’re getting delay… or worse, disruption. Now, here’s the thing: the severity can vary depending on the type of rickets. Nutritional rickets from low vitamin D often leads to mild-to-moderate stunted growth, especially if caught late. But genetic or metabolic forms? Those can mess with the growth hormone axis, sometimes causing long-term height retardation. You’ll usually see that reflected in those CDC height percentile charts—the numbers drop slowly, then sharply. What’s been observed in pediatric endocrinology clinics is that even after treatment, some kids never fully catch up to their original growth trajectory. It’s like their linear development gets rerouted. So if you’ve been wondering whether rickets causes height issues… yes, it can. And it often does—especially when diagnosis comes late or the root cause goes untreated. How Is Rickets Treated? When it comes to treating rickets in kids, the approach really depends on the root cause—but either way, you're going to need consistency, patience, and follow-through. You’re not just giving a vitamin and calling it a day. The treatment plan typically stretches over months, sometimes even longer, and how well it works depends a lot on how early you catch it and how well you stick to the protocol. Here’s what a typical U.S. treatment plan might include: Vitamin D supplements (most common): You’ll often see dosing start high, sometimes 2,000–5,000 IU/day short-term, then taper to maintenance. The exact dose depends on age and blood levels. Calcium carbonate: This is usually paired with vitamin D, especially if the child has low calcium intake or absorption issues. Phosphate therapy: For rare types like hypophosphatemic rickets, you’re looking at prescription phosphate and sometimes calcitriol. Sun exposure therapy: Yes, old-school but still relevant—15–30 minutes a day, depending on skin tone and latitude, without sunscreen (just for that brief window). Pediatric physical therapy: Often overlooked, but crucial if bone deformities or muscle weakness have set in. Dietician consultation: You’ll want a plan that includes fortified foods, better protein sources, and tracking compliance with dosing schedules. Lab follow-ups are essential every few months to check calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D levels—this isn’t one of those “set it and forget it” situations. What’s worked for many families is keeping a shared calendar or even setting dosing reminders (sounds small, but it makes a difference). As parents, what should you do? If your child has rickets, it is crucial to work closely with healthcare professionals. They will help develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. With proper treatment and management, rickets can be effectively addressed, allowing children to grow and develop healthy bones and preventing further complications associated with the condition. Related post: Top Foods + Drinks That Make You Taller and Healthier Vitamins for Growth Height for Teenagers
