Can Adults Get Rickets?

Rickets is often described as a childhood bone disorder, but you may be wondering, “can adults get rickets?” While true rickets—characterized by soft, weakened growth plates—is specific to children and adolescents, adults can develop a similar condition called osteomalacia. Both stem primarily from inadequate vitamin D, calcium or phosphate, leading to softening of the bones. Understanding risk factors, signs, prevention and treatment can help you protect your bone health at any age.

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Why Rickets Is Rare in Adults

• In children, rickets affects the growth plates (epiphyses) of long bones, causing deformities like bowed legs.
• Once growth plates close after puberty, true rickets can no longer develop.
• Adults with vitamin D or mineral deficiencies develop osteomalacia—a softening of already mature bone rather than changes in bone shape.
• Despite different names, the underlying problem (faulty bone mineralization) is the same.

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Risk Factors for Adult Bone-Softening Disorders

Even though “can adults get rickets” in the strict sense is uncommon, osteomalacia shares many causes and can lead to similar symptoms. Key risk factors include:

• Vitamin D deficiency

  • Limited sun exposure (indoor lifestyle, high-latitude living, use of sunscreens)
  • Darker skin pigmentation (melanin reduces vitamin D synthesis)
  • Strict vegan diets without fortified foods

• Calcium or phosphate deficiency

  • Malabsorption syndromes (celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Bariatric surgery reducing nutrient uptake

• Kidney or liver disease

  • Impaired conversion of vitamin D to its active form
  • Loss of phosphate through damaged kidneys

• Certain medications

  • Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, phenobarbital)
  • Some HIV treatments
  • Long-term glucocorticoids (“steroid” drugs)

• Genetic or rare metabolic disorders

  • Hypophosphatasia (low alkaline phosphatase activity)
  • Inherited vitamin D–resistant conditions

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Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Osteomalacia can be subtle at first, but recognizing early clues helps you seek treatment before serious complications arise.

Early symptoms may include:

• Dull, aching bone pain—often in the lower back, pelvis or legs
• Muscle weakness, especially in the thighs and shoulders
• Difficulty walking or frequent falls

As the condition progresses:

• Bone tenderness when pressure is applied
• Increased risk of stress fractures in hips, ribs and wrists
• Dental problems (soft enamel, cavities)

If you’re asking “can adults get rickets” because you’ve noticed persistent bone pain or weakness, consider a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker.

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How Osteomalacia Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis combines your clinical history, physical exam and laboratory tests:

1. Medical history & physical exam

   • Dietary habits, sun exposure, absorption issues, medication use
   • Assessment of muscle strength and gait

2. Blood tests

   • 25-hydroxyvitamin D (best measure of vitamin D status)
   • Calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase levels
   • Parathyroid hormone (PTH) to evaluate secondary hyperparathyroidism

3. Imaging studies

   • X-rays may show Looser’s zones (pseudofractures)
   • Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) for bone density

4. Additional tests (if needed)

   • Kidney and liver function tests
   • Genetic or metabolic panels for rare causes

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Treatment Strategies

Treating osteomalacia focuses on reversing deficiencies and addressing underlying causes:

1. Vitamin D supplementation

   • High-dose oral vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol) or D₃ (cholecalciferol)
   • Typical courses last 8–12 weeks, then maintenance doses

2. Calcium and phosphate replacement

   • Oral calcium carbonate or citrate
   • Phosphate supplements if levels remain low

3. Sunlight exposure

   • 10–30 minutes of midday sun, 2–3 times per week, arms and legs exposed
   • Adjust time based on skin tone, season and latitude

4. Treat underlying conditions

   • Manage malabsorption (gluten-free diet, pancreatic enzyme replacement)
   • Review medications with your doctor; adjust or switch therapies if possible
   • Address liver or kidney disease under specialist care

5. Physical therapy

   • Strengthening exercises to improve gait and reduce fall risk
   • Balance training and low-impact activities (walking, swimming)

6. Monitoring

   • Repeat blood tests and imaging every 3–6 months until stable
   • Ongoing follow-up for chronic conditions

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Prevention Tips

Healthy bones are built year-round. To minimize your risk:

• Enjoy balanced, nutrient-rich meals

  • Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), egg yolks, mushrooms
  • Fortified dairy or plant milks, cereals and orange juice

• Optimize sun exposure safely

  • Brief, regular intervals without sunscreen, then protect skin for longer exposure
  • Aim for midday sun when UVB rays are strongest

• Maintain a healthy body weight

  • Obesity and underweight both affect vitamin D bioavailability

• Stay active

  • Weight-bearing exercises (walking, jogging, resistance training)
  • Improves bone density and muscle strength

• Schedule routine checkups

  • Especially if you have risk factors like chronic digestive or kidney issues

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When to Seek Professional Help

If you experience persistent bone pain, muscle weakness or signs of fractures, it’s important not to ignore them. A free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker, can help you decide if you need medical attention right away.

Always consult your doctor if you notice:

• Severe or worsening bone pain
• Unexplained muscle weakness affecting daily activities
• Sudden fractures or inability to bear weight
• Symptoms of life-threatening complications (severe hypocalcemia: tingling, muscle cramps, seizures)

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Key Takeaways

• True rickets (“can adults get rickets?”) is confined to growing bones in children. Adults develop osteomalacia, with similar causes and bone-softening effects.
• Major driver: vitamin D deficiency, but calcium, phosphate, absorption issues and chronic disease can contribute.
• Diagnosis relies on history, exam, blood tests and imaging.
• Treatment includes vitamin D and mineral supplementation, sun exposure, diet changes and addressing underlying conditions.
• Prevention: balanced diet, safe sun habits, regular exercise and routine health screenings.
• For early guidance, use a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker, then speak to a healthcare provider about any serious or persistent concerns.

If you suspect you have osteomalacia or any serious health issue, please speak to a doctor promptly. Your bones—and your overall health—are worth it.