What it is
Most cases are treated with vitamin D and calcium supplements. Rare inherited forms need specialist care.
Taking a daily vitamin D supplement, especially in autumn and winter, helps prevent it.
Common signs
- Bone pain, often in the back, hips and legs
- Muscle weakness
- Bowed legs or knock knees in children
- Delayed growth and late walking in children
- Bones that break easily
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood tests for vitamin D, calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase
- X-rays
- Sometimes a bone density scan
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Vitamin D and bone blood test results
- X-ray reports
- Growth charts for children
- Supplement plans
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is causing the low vitamin D?
- How long should I take supplements?
- When will the blood tests be repeated?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Muscle spasms, cramps or seizures in a child, which can be caused by very low calcium: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.