There are several ways to diagnose rickets. If your child’s pediatrician suspects rickets based on a physical exam or symptoms, they may order one or more of the following tests:
X-rays.
Blood testing.
Urine testing.
Bone biopsies (very rarely done).
Genetic testing (for inherited rickets).
Treatment for rickets focuses on replacing the missing vitamin or mineral in the body. This will eliminate most of the symptoms associated with rickets. If your child has a vitamin D deficiency, your doctor will likely want them to increase their exposure to sunlight, if possible. They will also encourage them to consume food products high in vitamin D, such as fish, liver, milk, and eggs.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements can also be used to treat rickets. Ask your doctor about the correct dosage, as it can vary based on the size of your child. Too much vitamin D or calcium can be unsafe.
If skeletal deformities are present, your child may need braces to position their bones correctly as they grow. In severe cases, your child may need corrective surgery.
For hereditary rickets, a combination of phosphate supplements and high levels of a special form of vitamin D are required to treat the disease.
