Rickets and

osteomalacia
Present by Bondarenko Polina
 Rickets is a condition that affects bone
development in children. It causes bone pain,
poor growth and soft, weak bones that can lead
to bone deformities.
Adults can experience a similar condition, which is
known as osteomalacia or soft bones.
What causes rickets?

01 02
A lack of vitamin D or Vitamin D largely comes
calcium is the most common from exposing the skin to
cause of rickets. sunlight, but it's also found in
some foods, such as oily fish
and eggs.
03
Vitamin D is essential for the
formation of strong and
healthy bones in children.
In rare cases
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Who's affected?

However, in recent years, there's been an

Rickets was common in the past, but it
increase in cases of rickets in the UK.
mostly disappeared in the western world
The number of rickets cases is still
during the early 20th century after foods like
relatively small, but studies have shown
margarine and cereal were fortified with
a significant number of people in the UK
vitamin D.
have low levels of vitamin D in their
blood.
Who's affected?

Any child who doesn't get enough

vitamin D or calcium either through
their diet, or from sunlight, can develop
rickets. But the condition is more
common in children with dark skin, as
this means they need more sunlight to
get enough vitamin D, as well as
children born prematurely or taking
medication that interferes with vitamin
D.
For most children, rickets can be
successfully treated by ensuring they eat
foods that contain calcium and vitamin D, or
by taking vitamin supplements.
 Treating
rickets

Some families are eligible for free vitamin

supplements from the government's
Healthy Start scheme –
find out if you're eligible and how to apply.
If your child has problems absorbing vitamins
and minerals, they may need a higher
supplement dose or a yearly vitamin D
injection.
Preventing rickets

Rickets can easily be

prevented by eating a diet
that includes vitamin D and
calcium, spending some
time in sunlight, and if
necessary, taking vitamin D
supplements.
When to seek medical advice
Take your child to see your GP if they have
any of the signs and symptoms of rickets.

Your GP will carry out a physical examination

to check for any obvious problems. They may
also discuss your child's medical history, diet,
family history, and any medication they're
taking.

A blood test can usually confirm a diagnosis of

rickets, although your child may also have some
X-rays or possibly a bone density scan (DEXA scan)
. This is a type of X-ray that measures the calcium
content in bones.