JointVibes: by Dr Markandaiya Acharya

Rickets, a condition that many consider a disease of the past, continues to affect children worldwide, particularly in developed nations where it was once thought to be eradicated. This skeletal disorder, characterized by soft and weakened bones, primarily results from vitamin D deficiency and can have lasting effects on a child's physical development. Understanding how to prevent rickets is crucial for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers to ensure optimal bone health during the critical growth periods of infancy and early childhood. Understanding Rickets: The Basics Rickets occurs when growing bones fail to mineralize properly, leading to skeletal deformities and growth problems. The condition primarily affects the growth plates—areas of developing cartilage tissue near the ends of long bones. When these plates don't receive adequate minerals, particularly calcium and phosphate, bones become soft and prone to bending under the weight of the growing child. The most co...