Rickets, active
Rickets is a condition in children that makes their bones soft and weak because they are missing the nutrients needed to grow strong.
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Rickets happens when a child's bones do not get enough calcium and phosphorus, which are the minerals that make bones hard and sturdy. Because the bones lack these building blocks, they become soft and can bend or break more easily than they should.
The condition specifically affects the growth plates, which are the soft areas at the ends of a child's bones where new bone tissue is created. When these areas do not harden properly, it causes the bones to lose their shape and strength, potentially leading to noticeable curves in the legs or spine.
Common Symptoms
- Bowed legs or knocked knees where the legs curve outward or inward.
- Thickening of the wrists and ankles.
- A noticeable bump or ridge along the rib cage.
- Bone pain in the legs, pelvis, or spine.
- Muscle weakness or cramps.
- Delayed growth or shorter height compared to peers.