What is rickets?
A person with rickets has abnormal bone development that results in softening and weakening of the bones. Vitamin D deficiency is the most common cause of rickets. Additional causes of rickets include a lack of calcium or phosphorous. A balanced diet usually contains adequate amounts of calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D. Rickets is rare in the United States. It is most common in young children between 6 and 24 months of age.

What are the symptoms of rickets?
Symptoms of rickets include muscle weakness, deformed bones, and scoliosis.

How does the doctor treat rickets?
Treatment for rickets includes vitamin D supplements, phosphorous supplements, or calcium supplements.