Specialities › Rickets & Metabolic Bone Disorders

Rickets & Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment in Ahmedabad

Rickets softens and deforms growing bones in children, and its adult form is called Osteomalacia. The most common cause is Vitamin D or Calcium deficiency, but some children have inherited or kidney-related forms. Dr. Moxit Shah, DM Endocrinology, diagnoses the exact cause and treats bone and mineral disorders at Vishuddha Diabetes, Thyroid, Weight Loss Clinic, Ahmedabad.

Signs of Rickets in Children

• Bow legs or knock knees
• Delayed walking, delayed closing of the soft spot on the head, and delayed teething
• Widening of the wrists and ankles, and bumps along the ribs (Rachitic Rosary)
• Bone pain, muscle weakness, tiredness and short stature
• In young infants with very low Calcium: cramps or seizures

Signs of Osteomalacia and Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults

• Deep, aching bone pain, especially in the hips, back and legs
• Muscle weakness and difficulty climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
• Tingling, cramps and, rarely, fractures from minor injury

Why It Happens

• Low Vitamin D from little sun exposure, covered clothing, darker skin or poor diet. Vitamin D deficiency is very common in India despite plenty of sunshine.
• Low Calcium intake
• Kidney, liver or gut diseases that affect how Vitamin D and minerals are handled
• Inherited phosphate-losing disorders such as Hypophosphataemic Rickets, and some long-term medicines

Tests We Use

• Blood Calcium, Phosphate, Alkaline Phosphatase, 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D and PTH
• Kidney and liver function, and urine tests for phosphate loss
• X-rays of the wrists and knees in children
• DXA scan in adults when bone loss is suspected

Treatment

• Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol), either as a short course of high doses or as a daily dose, followed by a maintenance dose, chosen for the age and severity.
• Calcium from food and, when needed, supplements.
• Phosphate with active Vitamin D (Calcitriol), or newer treatment such as Burosumab, for Hypophosphataemic Rickets.
• Treating the underlying kidney, liver or gut condition.
• Orthopaedic referral if bone deformities persist after the rickets has healed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Rickets be cured?

Rickets caused by Vitamin D or Calcium deficiency heals well with treatment, usually over weeks to months. Mild bone deformities in young children often improve as they grow, while severe ones may need orthopaedic care.

Is sunlight enough to prevent Vitamin D deficiency?

Not always. Many people in India are Vitamin D deficient even in a sunny climate, because of indoor lifestyles, pollution, clothing and darker skin. Ask your doctor whether you or your child need a supplement.

Is it safe to give Vitamin D on my own?

Too much Vitamin D can raise Calcium to unsafe levels, so doses should be advised by a doctor after checking blood levels, especially for high-dose courses.

Related: Osteoporosis · Growth & Puberty Disorders · Thyroid & Parathyroid

Vishuddha Diabetes, Thyroid, Weight Loss Clinic, Elite Magnum, 104-105, Bhuyangdev Cross Road, Opp. Utsav Elegance, Vardhmannagar Society, Ghatlodiya, Memnagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380061. Call or WhatsApp +91 99799 92797. Open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM.