Patient's question:
As a child, I often woke up crying in the middle of the night and kicking my legs. Today, I noticed that my ribs seem asymmetrical. Could my son have rickets?Doctor's answer:
Rickets is primarily caused by a lack of vitamin D, which manifests as irritability and abnormal bone growth and development. It is most common in young children under 2 who do not get enough sunlight exposure. Your child is already 5 years old and should engage in outdoor activities frequently. Sunlight can help the body produce vitamin D, so it will not develop rickets. Your child may also have parasites, so it is recommended that you take them to the doctor for a deworming medication.