Rickets symptoms include bone pain, weakness, deformities, dental issues, and short stature. Lack of vitamin D and calcium are major causes, leading to weakened bones and muscles, and later symptoms such as bow-leggedness and knock-knees. Muscle spasms and seizures may also occur.
Some of the symptoms of rickets include pain, bone weakening, bone deformities, dental problems, and short stature. Weakness can also occur in the muscles, resulting in muscle spasms and sometimes seizures. Early signs of rickets may include restlessness and excessive sweating of the head while sleeping, changes in appetite, fatigue, and weight loss.
Rickets is often the result of impaired vitamin D and calcium metabolism. A general vitamin deficiency is often the cause, but lack of vitamin D and calcium appear to be a major cause of childhood illness. Vitamin D is very important because it helps in the absorption of calcium, which is important for building strong bones. Due to the deficiency, most symptoms affect bone strength and formation.
Early signs and symptoms of rickets include head sweating while sleeping or after feeding, restlessness, pale skin, and digestive problems. Changes in appetite and weight loss are also common signs of rickets. The victim may tire easily and become inactive due to weak bones and muscles.
The later symptoms of rickets become apparent to the eye as the bones begin to weaken and become misshapen. A common condition is bow-legged, which occurs when the legs begin to curve outward, creating the shape of an arch. Knock-knees is when the knees are bent inward and make contact when the legs are straightened. Other symptoms include a curved spine, breast bone projection, and a softened and enlarged skull. The pelvic bone is also often deformed, and the wrists and ankles can become abnormally enlarged.
Weakened bones are often very painful and can lead to bone fractures during falls or strenuous activity. Short stature is also commonly seen, resulting in a height of no more than 5 feet (1.5 m). Other symptoms of rickets include dental problems, such as delayed tooth development, cavities, and structural defects of the teeth.
The symptoms of rickets affect not only the bone structures but can also affect the functioning of the muscles. Muscles can become weak, which is often referred to as floppy baby syndrome. In many cases there are involuntary muscle contractions, also known as muscle spasms. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures, requiring immediate attention by a qualified healthcare professional.
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