Symptoms of rickets in children
Rickets is a common childhood disease in which vitamin D deficiency causes abnormal bone and muscle development. The following are common symptoms of rickets in children:
1. Bone deformation: Rickets causes bone deformation, including bending of the knees and elbows, and protrusion of the sternum. A child may experience leg pain or immobility when they are constantly walking or moving.
2. Muscle atrophy: Muscle shortening may cause children to walk unsteadily or be unable to stand. Children may show symptoms such as abnormal gait, uncoordinated steps, difficulty moving their arms, and abnormalities when crawling.
3. Mental retardation: Rickets may affect a child\’s intellectual development and behavior. When a child develops these symptoms, it is recommended to take him or her to the hospital for examination and treatment.
4. Fractures: The bones of children with rickets become brittle, which increases the risk of fractures. A fracture may be an accidental break of a bone or a smaller compression fracture. If your child develops symptoms of a broken bone, he or she needs immediate medical attention.
Preventive measures for rickets
Most doctors recommend that breastfed children receive vitamin D supplements after 4 months of age. Here are other steps to prevent rickets:
1. Exposure to the sun: With sufficient natural exposure to the sun, a child\’s skin can synthesize vitamin D on its own. Ultraviolet rays in sunlight can activate 7-hydroxylated cholesterol in the epidermis to synthesize vitamin D. It is recommended that a child be exposed to sunlight outdoors for 15-20 minutes before 8-9 am or after 4-5 pm. Do not expose directly to the sun to avoid burning the skin.
2. Supplement vitamin D: Even if a child is exposed to the sun, he or she may not get enough vitamin D. Babies, especially breastfed babies, don\’t get enough vitamin D. Doctors recommend that babies receive the correct dose and frequency of vitamin D supplements.
Treatment of rickets
1. Vitamin D supplementation: If a child is diagnosed with rickets, it can usually be treated with oral vitamin D and calcium supplementation. Doctors usually recommend a daily supplement of 400 to 2,000 international units of vitamin D, with the specific dose based on the child\’s age and severity.
2. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen your child\’s muscles and bones. These techniques include acupuncture, massage, traction, training and exercise to promote bone and muscle health.
3. Surgical treatment: In some cases, especially when the fracture is severe, surgery is also a method of treating rickets. In this case, doctors may need to adjust the bones to improve the child\’s ability to walk.
Summary
Rickets is one of the more common childhood diseases. If your child notices any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Preventing rickets requires following specific measures, including vitamin D supplementation at the right timeOr be exposed to the sun and pay attention to a balanced and healthy diet for your child. If a child is diagnosed with rickets, treatment should begin as early as possible, including oral vitamin D and calcium supplements, physical therapy, and even surgery.
