Think You Have Adult Rickets? Next Steps

Think You Have Adult Rickets? Next Steps

Can adults get rickets? While rickets is most often diagnosed in children, adults can develop a closely related condition called osteomalacia, which involves softening of the bones due to vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus deficiency. In rare cases, true “adult rickets” can occur when the growth plates in older adolescents fail to harden properly. Understanding the signs, risk factors and treatment options empowers you to take control of your bone health.

What Is Adult Rickets (Osteomalacia)?

• Rickets in children is characterized by soft, weak bones and skeletal deformities.
• In adults, the disease usually shows up as osteomalacia—softening of already formed bones.
• Both conditions share the same root causes: insufficient vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus to mineralize bone tissue.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Adults with rickets or osteomalacia may notice:

• Bone pain or tenderness, especially in the hips, lower back, pelvis and legs
• Muscle weakness or aching, often in the thighs and shoulders
• Increased risk of fractures or stress fractures, even after minor injuries
• Difficulty walking, a waddling gait or trouble climbing stairs
• Fatigue or a general feeling of weakness

These symptoms can develop gradually. If you’ve had persistent bone pain or muscle weakness for several weeks, it’s worth investigating further.

Who’s at Risk?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of adult rickets or osteomalacia:

• Low vitamin D intake
• Limited sun exposure (e.g., working indoors, living at high latitudes, covering most of your skin)
• Dietary restrictions (strict vegan or vegetarian diets without supplementation)
• Malabsorption disorders (celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease)
• Chronic kidney or liver disease (affecting vitamin D activation)
• Certain medications (anticonvulsants, glucocorticoids)
• Obesity (vitamin D stored in fat cells becomes less available)
• Older age (reduced skin production of vitamin D)

If you tick one or more of these boxes and have symptoms, it’s reasonable to explore the possibility of adult rickets.

How Is Adult Rickets Diagnosed?

A doctor will begin with a thorough history and physical exam, asking about your diet, sun exposure and any chronic conditions. Diagnostic steps may include:

• Blood tests
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D (the main circulating form)
  • Calcium and phosphorus levels
  • Alkaline phosphatase (elevated in bone softening)
  • Parathyroid hormone (elevated when calcium is low)
• Urine tests to check calcium excretion
• X-rays or bone density scans (DXA) to look for characteristic changes in bone structure
• In some cases, a bone biopsy

These tests help distinguish rickets/osteomalacia from osteoporosis or other bone disorders.

Next Steps: Assessing Your Symptoms

If you suspect adult rickets or osteomalacia, taking early action can prevent more serious complications. You might consider doing a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker. This quick tool can help you clarify which symptoms merit medical follow-up and prepare you for a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider. Try the Ubie Symptom Checker

Treatment Approaches

Once diagnosed, treatment focuses on replenishing deficient nutrients and addressing underlying causes.

1. Nutritional Supplementation

   • Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) or Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), at doses prescribed by your doctor
   • Oral calcium supplements (commonly calcium carbonate or calcium citrate)
   • Phosphorus supplements if levels are low

2. Dietary Modifications

   • Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
   • Fortified dairy or plant-based milk
   • Egg yolks
   • Mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet light
   • Nuts and seeds

3. Safe Sun Exposure

   • 10–30 minutes of midday sun on arms and legs, 2–3 times per week (depending on skin tone and location)
   • Avoid sunburn; always balance benefits and risks

4. Treat Underlying Conditions

   • Manage celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease or liver/kidney disorders under specialist guidance
   • Review medications that may interfere with vitamin D metabolism

5. Physical Therapy and Exercise

   • Weight-bearing activities (walking, gentle resistance training) to strengthen bones
   • Balance training to reduce fall risk

6. Monitoring and Follow-Up

   • Regular blood tests to ensure vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus reach target levels
   • Periodic bone density scans if recommended by your doctor

Preventing Adult Rickets

Prevention strategies help maintain strong, healthy bones throughout adulthood:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Spend safe, regular time outdoors to boost natural vitamin D production
• Talk to your healthcare provider about routine vitamin D screening if you have risk factors
• Consider a daily supplement if dietary intake and sun exposure are insufficient
• Keep chronic conditions well controlled and review medications that may impact bone health

When to Seek Urgent Medical Advice

Although adult rickets and osteomalacia typically develop slowly, certain red flags warrant prompt attention:

• Severe bone pain or a new limb deformity
• Sudden onset of muscle weakness that impairs mobility
• Signs of low calcium (muscle cramps, tingling in hands/feet, seizures)
• Any unexplained fractures

If you experience life-threatening or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical care. For non-urgent concerns, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or an endocrinologist.

Speak to a Doctor

Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose and manage adult rickets or osteomalacia. If you suspect you have this condition, talk to your doctor about your symptoms, risk factors and test results. Early diagnosis and treatment help you regain strength, reduce pain and protect your long-term bone health.

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Taking proactive steps today can help you feel stronger tomorrow. If “can adults get rickets” has you worried about bone pain or weakness, remember: you’re not alone, and effective treatments are available. Start with a symptom check at Ubie, gather your questions, and then speak to your doctor for personalized care.