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Home :: Family Health :: Osteomalacia Osteomalacia - Osteomalacia symptom, treatment, causesThe word 'Osteomalacia ' means soft bones. Like osteoporosis, Osteomalacia weakens the bones and makes bones more likely to break. In Osteomalacia the bone tends to break down faster than it can re-form. In Osteomalacia, the two activities are balanced, but the bone that is formed does not become dense and hard (mineralized). Among older people, Osteomalacia is much less common than osteoporosis. Osteomalacia is usually caused by vitamin D deficiency or by a digestive tract or kidney disorder. These disorders can interfere with the body's use of vitamin D. Rarely, Osteomalacia is caused by a low phosphate level. Symptoms of Osteomalacia include weakness, lack of appetite, weight loss, pain, and bones that fracture easily. Depending on the cause of the condition, treatment may include taking oral supplements of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus. Osteomalacia causes fatigue and pain in the back, ribs, and hips. Muscles in the upper arms and thighs become weak. People with Osteomalacia may have trouble getting up from a chair or climbing steps. They may waddle when they walk. Like osteoporosis, Osteomalacia leads to bone fractures. Osteomalacia is due to the loss of calcium and softening of bones in adults because of vitamin D deficiency- the equivalent of RICKETS in children. The main functions of vitamin D are to increase absorption of calcium from the intestine and to promote normal formation and mineralisation of bone. Most of the vitamin D we need is formed in the skin on exposure to sunlight, but some comes from food (butter, fish liver oils and egg yolk). Deficiency is likely when the diet contains very little vitamin D or it is not absorbed properly, and there is inadequate exposure to the sun. In Australia, osteomalacia is likely to affect only housebound invalids on poor diets. Causes of OsteomalaciaThe common Causes of Osteomalacia:
Symptom of OsteomalaciaBone pain (especially in the spine. pelvisand legs) and muscle weakness appear first. If blood calcium becomes very low there may be musclespasm in the hands, feet and throat. As bone softens, weight-bearing may lead to bowing of the legs, compression of the vertebrae and flattening of the pelvis. Weakened bones may break on slight injury. Some common Symptoms of Osteomalacia:
Diagnosis and Treament of OsteomalaciaIf osteomalacia is suspected from the history, symptoms and signs, the diagnosis can be confirmed by X-rays, plus blood and urine tests. Treatment is by administration of vitamin D and provision of a nourishing dietadequate in calcium and phosphorus.
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