Renal Rickets

Renal rickets is a bone disorder that arises when a kidney disease interferes with the balance of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus and with the use of vitamin D, which affects the mineralization of growing bone.

How it manifests: In children it may be noticed through deformities in the legs, bone pain, weakness, or slower-than-expected growth.

Which specialist treats it? The nephrologist -- in childhood, the pediatric nephrologist -- studies the kidney function involved, in close coordination with the pediatrician to monitor growth.

When to seek care? With bone deformities, pain, or development that does not progress as expected, a professional evaluation with the appropriate studies is the best way to understand the cause and follow up on it.