Rickets is a condition that affects children’s bones by softening and weakening them. These changes can lead to bone pain and, sometimes, bone deformities. It could be a reason behind Bowlegs & Knock knees in children. 

However, you don't need to worry about the orthopedic problems of your children as long as Dr. Timothy Bradley - an experienced orthopedic pediatrician is here in Brandon & Riverview. He will help your child achieve optimal orthopedic health! 

Let’s just have a look at some of the symptoms of rickets include: 

• Delayed growth 

• Bone pain 

• Bowed legs

• Pain or unusual curving of the spine 

• Pigeon chest (breastbone projection)

• Cavities

• Seizures

A key part of treating rickets involves increasing the intake of Vitamin D. In this blog post, we’ll explore why Vitamin D is crucial for improving Rickets and which foods to reach for to get the benefits. 

Causes of Rickets 

Low Vitamin D is usually the culprit behind rickets. Vitamin D is responsible for absorbing calcium and phosphorus from food. Without enough of it, your child’s body won’t get enough calcium or phosphorus, which are necessary for strong and healthy bones. Sometimes, low calcium levels can be the reason behind Rickets. But in most cases, we’re looking at a vitamin D deficiency. 

The condition is most common in children between the ages of 6 and 36 months old, simply because they’re still growing. However, the condition is quite rare in the US and other developed countries, thanks to the introduction of fortified foods. You’ll notice cereals tend to have vitamin D added to them! 

Treating Rickets 

Since most cases of rickets are caused by a vitamin D deficiency, and some a calcium deficiency, treatment focuses on replacing these vitamins and building the levels back up.

Vitamin D and calcium levels are taken up by: 

• Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D

• Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements 

• Increased and safe exposure to sunlight 

The number of vitamins your child needs to take will be determined by an orthopedic pediatrician. If your child has issues when it comes to absorbing vitamins, a higher dose may be needed to make sure their missing levels are adequately replaced. 

For a child with a genetic cause, treatment of Rickets may involve a combination of phosphate supplements and high doses of a special type of vitamin D. If a child has a bone deformity, they may require braces to reposition their bones. And in some cases, surgery might be needed. 

Foods High in Vitamin D 

If your child has rickets, doctors will provide supplements and will usually advise you to include more vitamin D-rich foods in your child’s diet. 

However, most of us don’t know which foods are high in vitamin D. In truth, there are a small number of foods you can include in your diet to help improve your vitamin D levels.

Here are some excellent nutritional sources of vitamin D. 

• Oily fish – such as salmon, herring, and mackerel

• Red meat

• Liver

• Infant formula

• Eggs (especially the yolks) 

• Foods fortified with vitamin D like milk and cereal (however not foods made with milk, like yogurt). 

Comparing Sources of Vitamin D

Foods with naturally occurring vitamin D or fortified foods?

While foods like eggs, red meat, and fatty fish provide vitamin D, these can’t be the only sources of vitamin D we rely on. The fact is we simply don’t consume large enough quantities of these types of foods. 

We also have to be realistic. Not all children are happy to eat fatty fish and liver! 

That’s why it’s a good idea to turn to fortified foods. All this means is that vitamin D has been added to these foods. This is a perfectly fine way to increase vitamin D levels, and often, the most child-friendly way. Many kids would be happy to chow down on cereal instead of liver. 

Supplements

Alongside eating the right food, you can use supplements to up your vitamin D (which your doctor may prescribe). These can come in liquid form too, making it easier for your child to take them. 

Sunshine

Of course, vitamin D isn’t known as the sunshine vitamin for no reason. As humans, we can create our own vitamin D through sun exposure. Getting your child to spend some time in the sun is a great way to increase vitamin D levels. 

However, it’s important to consider safety! To protect your child’s skin, apply sunscreen and even protective clothing. 

While children should spend time in the sun, it’s important to note babies and young children have sensitive skin that burns easily, so they may need to use sunscreen. Increasing sunlight safely is essential to avoid burns. 

Unfortunately, sunscreen does interfere with the skin’s ability to make vitamin D, so sunshine is only a small part of the solution. The best way to increase vitamin D is by taking a multi-pronged approach. Use food, supplements, and sunshine. 

What Happens If You Leave Rickets Untreated? 

If your child shows the signs and symptoms of rickets, get them checked out by a medical doctor. If untreated, nutritional rickets can worsen and increase the risk of: 

• Bone irregularities that cannot be reversed

• Heart problems

• Seizures

• Fragile bones

• Pneumonia

• Lifelong disability 

See Orthopedic Pediatric Doctor trusted by Parents, in Brandon or Tampa, Florida

Worried about your child’s bone health? Speak to our team! Our doctors at POBAR spend time with you and your child to fully understand what’s going on, before providing a carefully thought-out and customized approach to improve your child’s health. 

Your child will benefit from their experience and high standard of medical care. Ready to have a conversation about your child’s health? We’re listening. 

Get in touch with us today.