How can I tell if my daughter has rickets?

[tatsu15]

I recently found out I am low on vitamin D and pretty sure I was vitamin D deficient while pregnant with her. She is pigeon toed (my husband is too so this must be genetic), but she also walks in a wide stance and looks bow legged... and it looks similar to that of rickets or blount's disease but I'm not totally sure. She is 18 months. Her pedi never mentioned it so I assume it's genetic or she'll grow out of it. But is there any sure way to know if she does or doesn't have rickets? I scheduled an appt with her pediatrician next Monday just to find out. In the meantime, I just wanted to find out if any parents are familiar with this subject. Thanks in advance!

Btw, I googled pics on rickets and blount's and my daughter's legs aren't severe as the pics... that is why I am not sure if it's something normal she will grow out of or if it is actually a condition.

[karanyavel]

My DDs had bowed legs and a wide stance at that age, too, but they didn't have rickets or anything. I think it's normal for young toddlers to look like that. Both have straight legs now except for being a touch knock-kneed (genetic).

--K

[JaneS]

I complete disagree that is normal.

I think "growing out of it" means getting enough vit. D. I would consider this grounds to get her 25 OH D levels tested.

OP where do you live? If northern latitude, you cannot make vitamin D from sun year round. We live in Mass. and I need to take 5000 IU per day throughout winter to keep my blood levels up in mid normal range.

See guidelines here for vitamin D dosing to get blood levels up:
www.vitamindcouncil.org

You want D3 only not prescription (synthetic) D2.

Carlson's D Drops are very easy to give to little ones.

[Llyra]

I think you're right to be concerned about the D. I would definitely be looking into ways to get her more.

But I do agree that a wide, bowlegged stance is quite common and normal in young toddlers, in the first few months of walking. All of my kids have walked like that, early on, and all of them are normal and healthy now.

Rickets is generally treated with larger doses of D3. But you'll want to do that with a health care provider's advice, I think. Ask about testing to find out what her levels of D are.

[Mirzam]

Originally Posted by Llyra

But I do agree that a wide, bowlegged stance is quite common and normal in young toddlers, in the first few months of walking. All of my kids have walked like that, early on, and all of them are normal and healthy now.

I agree with Jane, bow legs in young toddlers is not normal and could be a sign of nutritional deficiency. What is normal is walking with legs spread to aid balance.

[tatsu15]

Thank you ladies for your informative replies. Just to be on the safe side, I'll ask her to get her vitamin D level test this Monday.