Rickets :
Rickets is a bone disease that affects children. The disease causes the bones to become weak, soft and flexible, causing the bones to bend and break easily. Rickets occurs when a child becomes severely deficient in vitamin D due to a lack of exposure to sunlight. In some cases, this disease can occur due to genetic problems or due to a diet that lacks calcium.
A child affected by rickets will have symptoms like bowing of the knees and an unusual curve in the spine that makes it appear like a pigeon chest. Other symptoms of rickets include bone pain, tooth cavities, thickened joints and growth problems. A paediatrician can diagnose rickets with a physical examination, putting gentle pressure on the bones and ordering X-ray scans. Most cases of rickets can be managed by increasing the calcium and vitamin D intake using supplements. However, if the shapes of the bones have changed, then a doctor may ask the child to wear braces or may even suggest surgery.











