Rickets Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Rickets (rickets) is a disorder of growing bones, in which calcium fails to be stored in the bones. As a result, the bones become soft and easily broken or deformed.
Rickets only affects children. However, if not handled properly, the impact will continue to be felt into adulthood.
Worldwide, the incidence of rickets is increasing due to the lack of exposure of infants and children to sunlight. This is further exacerbated by the habits of today’s children who spend more time indoors.
This disease is also often found in children who are chronically malnourished and do not receive vitamin D supplementation.
Rickets Symptoms
There are several symptoms and signs typical of rickets, namely:
- In babies. Seizures, stiffness, slow physical growth, weakness, and failure to thrive can be found.
- In children who have started walking, conditions such as bone abnormalities can be found, especially in the legs. For example: knees bent outward as if forming a bow, or knees bent inward and meet each other if the legs are straightened.
Rickets Reason
Rickets (rickets) can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus. Vitamin D is needed for the absorption of calcium from the intestines. If the body lacks vitamin D, calcium and other minerals cannot be absorbed optimally from the intestines. This will result in hypocalcemia or lack of calcium in the blood.
In the end, this will lead to bone ossification failure, as well as bone and tooth deformities. Apart from that, it can also cause other symptoms, such as seizures, stunted growth, and weakness.
Another cause of rickets is due to genetic factors. Experts believe that this disease can be inherited from parents.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis to determine rickets (rickets) is done through a physical examination of the typical symptoms. There are also additional examinations in the form of laboratory and radiological examinations.
Laboratory tests are needed to determine the levels of calcium and alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme produced by bone-forming cells) in the blood. Calcium levels in people with rickets are usually below normal. Meanwhile, alkaline phosphatase levels are usually increased.
Radiological examination or bone X-rays can also be done. In this examination, it can be seen that there is reduced bone density, especially in the bone epiphysis area (bone growth area).
Rickets Treatment
Treatment of rickets (rickets) is usually in the form of an orthopedic approach, namely by using special tools to correct bone abnormalities. Treatment is also carried out based on the cause. If the thing that causes rickets is a calcium deficiency, calcium fulfillment needs to be prioritized.
If the bone abnormalities that occur are not so severe, a tool called a splint can be used which is used at night. Splint aims to slowly correct existing bone abnormalities.
If the bone abnormalities that occur are severe enough, osteotomy surgery (cutting bone) can be performed until the bone shape is close to normal.