What is a common early indication of rickets in children?

Bowed legs or a soft skull is a common early indication of rickets in children due to the disease's impact on bone development. Rickets is characterized by the softening and weakening of bones, which is often a result of a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. In growing children, this condition can lead to skeletal deformities, such as bowed legs, as the weakened bones cannot support normal weight-bearing activities. A soft skull is also a consequence of rickets, as the cranial bones may not properly mineralize, resulting in a softer than normal skull.

Other symptoms like joint swelling, stunted growth, and pain in the knee can occur later in the disease or can be associated with different conditions but are not the primary early signs of rickets. Thus, recognizing bowed legs or changes in skull shape allows for early intervention and treatment, which is vital in managing the disease effectively to prevent further complications.