Which department should I go to for rickets?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on April 01, 2025
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Rickets is a nutritional disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and resulting in abnormal bone development. During the early and active stages, the X-ray shows no obvious abnormalities in bone development; it is primarily a conceptual metabolic disorder along with low levels of vitamin D. At this time, it is advisable to consult an endocrinology department. If there are sequelae and mild to moderate sequelae, rehabilitation methods are needed for correction, and at this point, a rehabilitation department should be consulted. If there are severe skeletal deformities, surgical correction may be necessary, and at this time, an orthopedic department should be consulted.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 18sec home-news-image

Can rickets be cured?

Rickets is a chronic nutritional disease caused by vitamin D deficiency that leads to disturbed calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body, causing abnormal skeletal development. If a square skull is observed, it indicates that the child's disease has entered an active phase. Generally, in the early stages, there is an enlargement of the fontanelle or a delay in the closure of the fontanelle. By seven to eight months, a square skull can appear, primarily characterized by outward bulging centered on the frontal and parietal bones. At this time, it is generally necessary to administer a sufficient dose of vitamin D and encourage appropriate outdoor activities. Depending on the child's condition, it might be appropriate to supplement with calcium as well. Gradually, this should be curable; however, if there are other special causes for the abnormal vitamin D levels, such as severe liver or kidney disease or some new genetic diseases causing square skull, the treatment might be more challenging.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How should children with rickets supplement calcium?

Rickets is a nutritional disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body, which results in abnormal bone development. It is mainly due to a lack of vitamin D, so the primary treatment is supplementing with vitamin D. Dairy is a reliable source of calcium nutrition for infants, and generally, it is not necessary to supplement calcium for the treatment of rickets; attention should be paid to supplementing with vitamin D according to the severity of the condition, and spending more time in the sun. For children who have started eating complementary foods, or older children, it is generally recommended to fully supplement vitamin D levels, spend more time in the sun during summer, and consume high-protein nutrients. Additionally, eating more vegetables and appropriately supplementing with calcium supplements in the winter is advised. The dosage should be based on the child's internal levels of calcium and phosphorus, with calcium supplementation adjusted accordingly.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Early manifestations of rickets

Rickets is a disease caused by a lack of vitamin D, which leads to a disorder in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, resulting in abnormal bone development. It primarily appears in the early stages in infants within six months old, and particularly within three months after birth. The initial presentation is an increase in nervous excitability, such as fussiness and unease in children, symptoms like excessive internal heat and sweating, especially more sweat on the head. Continuous sweating can lead to significant baldness at the back of the head. Sometimes, children may exhibit constant head shaking, but these are not very specific symptoms. Early detection involves decreased blood calcium and phosphorus levels, increased parathyroid hormone levels, and decreased levels of related markers in blood tests. Early bone X-rays appear normal, so initial symptoms are not so typical. Therefore, it is recommended that infants be taken to a pediatrician for a physical examination as soon as possible, where their developmental status can be assessed and rickets can be diagnosed. If it is early-stage vitamin D deficiency rickets, timely supplementation of vitamin D levels can be an effective cure.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How to treat rickets in a 2-year-old baby?

Rickets in two-year-old infants is caused by a deficiency in vitamin D leading to a disturbance in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, resulting in abnormal skeletal development. This class of systemic, chronic, nutritional diseases typically manifests in two-year-olds who are able to walk and stand. Due to the force of gravity, lower limb deformities may develop, leading to bowlegs or knock-knees, and possibly even a 'K'-shaped limb deformity. The spine may also develop kyphosis or scoliosis. Around the age of two, it is generally the residual stage of the disease, which often does not require pharmacological treatment. For mild to moderate cases, physical exercise should be enhanced, and active or passive rehabilitation methods should be used to correct skeletal deformities. It is recommended to seek treatment in the pediatric rehabilitation department; severe skeletal deformities may require surgical correction.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
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What foods should not be eaten with rickets?

Patients with rickets should not eat some cereal foods, such as millet, rice, wheat, corn, and other foods. Cereal foods also contain vitamin D and calcium, and eating too much of these foods can exacerbate the disease. Patients with rickets should eat more light, low-fat, and easily digestible foods. They should control the intake of high-fat content daily and avoid eating stimulating and spicy foods. At the same time, they should increase their intake of vitamins, encourage the child to eat more fruits and vegetables to ensure an adequate supply of vitamins, and patients can also exercise more. More physical activity can help boost the immune system.