Rickets

During the exam, the healthcare professional typically will gently press on your child's bones, checking for irregularities. They may pay specific attention to the following:

• Skull. Babies who have rickets often have softer skull bones and might have a delay in the closure of the soft spots, called fontanels.
• Legs. While even healthy toddlers are a little bowlegged, an exaggerated bowing of the legs is common with rickets.
• Chest. Some children with rickets develop changes in their rib cages, which can flatten and cause their breastbones to protrude.
• Wrists and ankles. Children who have rickets often have larger or thicker wrists and ankles.

Diagnosing rickets in babies can be challenging. Rickets may be harder to identify as bone and muscle changes often are not detected until a child starts to walk. Your healthcare professional likely will pay attention to if your baby is growing well, has regular breathing sounds and has typical muscle tone.

For children of all ages, X-rays of the affected bones can reveal bone deformities. Blood and urine tests can confirm a diagnosis of rickets and also monitor the progress of treatment.

Most cases of rickets can be treated with vitamin D and calcium supplements. Follow the directions as to dosage. Too much vitamin D can be harmful.

Your child's healthcare team may check your child's progress with X-rays and blood tests.

If your child has a rare inherited disorder that causes low amounts of phosphorus, supplements and medicines may be prescribed.

For some cases of bowleg or spinal deformities, your healthcare professional might suggest special bracing to position your child's body properly as the bones grow. More-serious skeletal deformities might require surgery.

You'll likely start by seeing your primary care professional or a pediatrician. Depending on the cause of your child's symptoms, you might be referred to a specialist.

Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

• Your child's symptoms, including any that might not seem related to the reason you made the appointment, and note when they started.
• Key personal information, including medicines and supplements your child takes and whether anyone in your immediate family has had similar symptoms.
• Information about your child's diet, including food and drinks your child usually consumes.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare team might ask some of the following questions:

• Is your baby getting vitamin D supplements?
• How often does your child play outdoors?
• Does your child wear sunscreen?
• At what age did your child start walking?
• Has your child had much tooth decay?