is the softening and weakening of bones in children, usually because of an extreme and prolonged vitamin D deficiency. Rare inherited problems also can cause rickets.<br />Rare inherited disorders related to low levels of phosphorus, the other mineral component in bone, may require other medications<br /><br />Vitamin D helps your child's body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. Not enough vitamin D makes it difficult to maintain proper calcium and phosphorus levels in bones, which can cause rickets.<br /><br />symptoms of rickets can include:<br /> Delayed growth<br />Delayed motor skills<br />Pain in the spine, pelvis and legs<br />Muscle weakness<br /><br />Because rickets softens the areas of growing tissue at the ends of a child's bones (growth plates), it can cause skeletal deformities such as:<br /> Bowed legs or knock knees<br />Thickened wrists and ankles<br />Breastbone projection<br /><br />Your child's body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. Rickets can occur if your child's body doesn't get enough vitamin D or if his or her body has problems using vitamin D properly. Occasionally, not getting enough calcium or lack of calcium and vitamin D can cause rickets<br /><br />By Dr. Talip Chichan