Ricketsis a medical condition that causesbonesto become weak and soft.

There are two types of rickets: one sparked by a nutritional deficiency and the other hereditary.

Rickets symptoms typically present in childhood and can cause lifelong effects.

Childhood Rickets Symptoms with an little girl with a fractured arm

Photo composite by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health; Getty Images

This article will discuss rickets symptoms, complications, and how to identify the condition.

It will also discuss the relationship between rickets and osteomalacia.

It tends to develop during rapid growth in childhood.

A lack ofvitamin D,calcium, or phosphate causes it.

Rickets can also be triggered by genetics.

This form of rickets is resulting from the kidney’s inability to hold onto phosphate.

Physical

There are physical symptoms of rickets.

Not everyone will experience each symptom and the severity will vary from person to person.

Signs to look for include:

Researchers examined the relationship of skin conditions to rickets.

The skin plays a key role in vitamin D development (synthesis).

The sensations that are felt when someone has developed rickets can be significant.

While often discussed synonymously, the cellular process that occurs to cause rickets and osteomalacia is different.

This can result in osteomalacia.

Younger children whose bones do not develop properly will not grow well and will have difficulties with walking.

Older children can have bone pain and bowed legs.

Ricket Comorbidities

A number of conditions can cause rickets.

How to Identify Rickets Symptoms in Children

Identifying rickets in children can be difficult.

Many of the symptoms overlap with other conditions.

The provider will be able to determine the cause and develop a plan to prevent further bone damage.

The symptoms vary but can include muscle pain, cramps, soft bones, and bone fractures.

Anytime someone suspects they or someone in their family has rickets should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Rickets.

2023;12(7):2714. doi:10.3390%2Fjcm12072714

Penn Medicine.Osteomalacia.

National Library of Medicine.Osteomalacia.