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Osteomalacia

Osteomalacia is a softening of the bone in adults, and it often occurs on a cellular level with the loss of minerals necessary for bone growth.

This problem occurs in the framework of the bone also called the osteoid.

When this same medical condition occurs in younger adolescents and especially in children, it is referred to as Rickets.

Osteomalacia is, therefore, the terminology that is typically designated for adults only and is typically a milder form of the same disease.

But the bones aren’t the only areas affected. Patients can see body pains, muscle pains and weakness, increased fractures due to loss of bone strength, and more.

Nursing home patients and those that are restricted to their homes, the elderly population are at particular risk for vitamin D deficiency. These types of individuals receive little to no sun exposure.

Some people confuse Osteomalacia for Osteoporosis. They are similar but also different. Some of the differences include: Causes, Treatments, Symptoms.

1.)  Insufficient calcium absorption from the intestine because of lack of dietary calcium or a deficiency of, or resistance to, the action of vitamin D.

2.)  Phosphate deficiency caused by increased renal losses.

What are Causes of Osteomalacia?

–  Vitamin D deficiency
–  Other minerals lacking include: phosphate and calcium
–  Renal tubular problems
–  Malnutrition during pregnancy
–  Malnutrition due to eating disorders
–  Malabsorption disorder
–  Celiac disease –  less common
–  others

Symptoms That Are Most Often Seen:

–  Muscle weakness
–  Bone pain
–  Bone tenderness
–  Increase in the tendency for breaks in the bones
–  Gait changes
–  Chronic fatigue

Treatment options

–  Supplements of Vitamin D for 6 plus weeks
–  Increase daily intake
–  Increasing sunlight exposure