Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia
This condition is characterized by the softening of bone usually due to severe deficiency of vitamin D. In children and young adults softening of bone lead to bowing during growth, especially in legs. In older adults osteomalacia causes fractures.
Symptoms
During early stages of osteomalacia patient is usually asymptomatic but later some features develop like:
- Dull, aching pain mostly in lower back, pelvis, hips, legs and ribs. Worsening of pain occur usually at night or when pressure is put on the bones
- Muscle weakness
- Decrease muscle tone
- Waddling gait
- Slower pace
Causes
This condition occur due to defective bone-maturation process. When there’s deficiency of calcium and phosphate or deficiency of vitamin D when result in failure of absorption of these minerals it leads to the development of osteomalacia. Some causes which lead to this problem are:
- Vitamin D deficient diet
- In peoples living in the areas having no sunlight exposure
- Gastric bypass surgery
- Celiac disease
- Kidney disorder
- Liver disorder
- Certain drugs like phenobarbital and phenytoin (anti-seizures)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of osteomalacia depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests are also done to rule out other conditions include:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- X-rays
- Bone biopsy
Treatment
Treatment options include the following:
- Vitamin D oral supplements for weeks to months is usually enough
- Increase of calcium and phosphorus intake in diet