How to treat rickets X-type legs?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on October 25, 2024
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If rickets presents with an X-shaped deformity, it generally indicates either an active phase of the disease or the residual phase. During this time, it is advisable to minimize the child's standing and walking at home. For lower limb deformities, muscle massages can be performed. For X-shaped legs, massage the inner muscle groups, followed by internal rotation exercises after massaging the double sliding joints. Typically, early treatment involves corrective rehabilitation techniques, and it is possible to visit a pediatric rehabilitation department for relevant manual treatments. If there is a significant skeletal deformity, surgical intervention may be necessary for correction.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Does rickets have a hereditary component?

Rickets, also known as vitamin D deficiency rickets, is primarily a chronic nutritional disease characterized by skeletal lesions, caused by insufficient vitamin D in infants, children, or adolescents, which leads to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The main feature of this disease is the incomplete calcification of the growth plates and bone tissue in the growing long bones, due to the lack of vitamin D causing incomplete calcification of mature bones. This disease is most common in children under two years old. Its causes may be related to insufficient intake of vitamin D or insufficient sunlight exposure, as well as rapid growth. Additionally, other diseases may influence its development. Therefore, this disease is generally not closely related to genetics.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Rickets is caused by a deficiency of what element?

Rickets is a systemic chronic nutritional disease caused by vitamin D deficiency leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, which results in abnormal bone development. The main cause is a lack of vitamin D, generally related to feeding methods, the addition of cod liver oil, living environment, outdoor activity time, repeated respiratory infections, calcium deficiency during pregnancy, and the season of birth. It is generally recommended to routinely supplement vitamin D and cod liver oil after birth, have regular follow-ups, engage in appropriate outdoor activities, and during pregnancy, it is important to supplement with adequate calcium and vitamin D. Additionally, attention should be paid to children who have repeated respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, as these can also affect the absorption of vitamin D and calcium and phosphorus. Thus, it is vital to actively prevent other diseases that may affect the absorption of vitamin D and to treat illnesses proactively when they occur.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Rickets symptoms

Rickets, also known as nutritional vitamin D deficiency rickets, is a chronic nutritional disease in children caused by inadequate vitamin D in their bodies, leading to disorders in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and characterized by changes in the growth plates. Its manifestation varies with different ages. In infants under six months, especially those under three months, symptoms often include increased nervous excitability, such as being easily irritable, restless, sweating, and shaking their heads due to scalp irritation. As the condition progresses in children under six months, the primary changes are seen in the skull; the edges of the anterior fontanelle are softer, and the skull is thinner. After six months, the softening of the skull disappears, but there can be ping-pong ball-like changes around the skull, leading to a box-shaped head from seven to eight months. Gradually, beading changes form, most notably around the 7th to 10th ribs. Around the age of one, children can develop a pigeon chest deformity, and in severe cases of rickets, a horizontal depression forms at the lower edge of the thoracic cage, known as the costal groove or Harrison's groove. Due to bone softening and muscle and joint laxity, when the child begins to stand and walk, the legs may become bow-legged or X-shaped, and in severe cases, can develop into 'K'-shaped leg deformities. Once the child starts to sit and stand, general ligament laxity can cause spinal deformities. Severe hypophosphatemia leads to muscle carbohydrate metabolism disorder, resulting in overall muscle laxity, decreased muscle tone, and subsequently reduced muscle strength.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How is rickets treated with injections?

Rickets, also known as vitamin D deficiency rickets, is a chronic nutritional disease characterized by skeletal lesions, caused by insufficient vitamin D in children, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The typical manifestation of rickets is incomplete mineralization of the growing long bone epiphyses and bone tissue, presenting as bone softening or deformity. Once rickets is diagnosed, it must be treated aggressively. First, children are given high doses of vitamin D, either orally or through intramuscular injection, with a common practice of administering a single dose of 300,000 units of vitamin D intramuscularly. A month later, a blood sample is taken to measure the vitamin D content; if it is below normal, treatment must continue; if it is within the normal range, it is only necessary to supplement the daily physiological requirement of vitamin D for the child. (Specific medication should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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Can rickets with rib eversion in babies be cured?

Babies with rib flaring can be treated, but it requires assessment based on relevant clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. First, it is necessary to understand that rickets is a metabolic bone disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, which often results not only in rib flaring but also in square skull, pigeon chest, and either bowlegs or knock-knees. Neurologically, symptoms may include night sweats, easy startling during sleep, and poor sleep quality. When these conditions occur, a physical examination by a specialist is essential, along with comprehensive tests, including measuring the specific levels of vitamin D, and selecting appropriate vitamin D supplements. If the symptoms of rib flaring are severe and accompanied by a noticeable pigeon chest, orthotic supports may also be necessary for correction. If rib flaring affects normal breathing, severe cases may require surgical treatment. Therefore, the extent of severity based on clinical symptoms will dictate the treatment approach—whether it is oral medication, orthotic correction, or surgery.