Calcium & Bone Problems
Bone disorders in children can generally be caused by a number of conditions which includes:
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D basically allows the body to absorb phosphorus and calcium from food. Phosphorus and calcium are the two minerals that work together and is responsible to build healthy bones. In case there is a severe deficiency of vitamin D, it can lead to thin, brittle or deformed bones.
Rickets
Rickets is a kind of bone condition in children where the bones are soft and weak. Mostly, children develop rickets due to long-term and severe case of vitamin D deficiency. Bowed legs are considered the most common symptom of rickets.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
This condition is also called brittle bone disease and is primarily a genetic disorder that is present from birth. Brittle bone disorder or disease is characterized by bones that break easily.
Juvenile Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is generally the condition where the bones become weak, brittle and prone to fracture. When it occurs in kids, there is typically an underlying cause like osteogenesis imperfecta, Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, hyperthyroidism or calcium and vitamin D deficiency. Sometimes, there is no identified cause called juvenile idiopathic osteoporosis.
Treatments
A child’s treatment plan always depends on the underlying condition causing the bone disease. The treatment for bone disorders include:
- Vitamin D and calcium supplements
Calcium supplements and Vitamin D is basically prescribed in case your child is diagnosed with a bone disease like rickets, hypocalcemia, osteogenesis imperfecta, hypoparathyroidism, etc. - Bisphosphonates
For osteoporosis due to various causes, your physician may prescribe medicines such as pamidronate or zoledronate - Surgery
In case of hyperparathyroidism causing bone disease, it is treated by removing the parathyroid glands. - Physical therapy and Orthopaedic care
Children diagnosed with bone disease may need regular physical therapy to improve strength and bone density.
