Make an Appointment
Talk to DoctorOverview
Osteomalacia also referred as the “soft bones”. Osteomalacia weakens bones, making them more fragile and vulnerable to fractures. It is a condition of reduced mineralization, which causes bone to break down more quickly than it can regenerate. It is an adult-specific condition. In children, rickets may be brought on by low vitamin D levels.
Although both conditions can lead to bone fractures, osteomalacia and osteoporosis are not the same. Osteomalacia is characterized by softening of bones due to a deficiency in mineralization, whereas osteoporosis is the deterioration of bone mass and structure, resulting in bone weakness.
Symptoms
The most prevalent symptoms of osteomalacia include discomfort in bones and hips, bone fractures, and muscle weakness.
If the patient has soft bones, they could have symptoms like:
- Bones easily fractured.
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Difficulty in sitting or walking up the stairs.
- Muscle weakness at the arms and thighs
- Tiredness
Causes
Certain minerals are necessary for the bones to develop and maintain their strength. Osteomalacia is most typically brought on by deficiency of vitamin D, which is frequently brought on by inadequate sun exposure. Calcium absorption and the preservation of bone health depend on vitamin D. The body’s capacity to absorb vitamins can be hampered by certain conditions. Osteomalacia can also be brought on by uncommon hereditary disorders.
Osteomalacia can be caused by various factors such as celiac disease, gastric bypass surgery, and other procedures that remove a portion of the stomach or intestines which can affect the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D or convert it to its activated state. Additionally, individuals with kidney problems may also develop the condition. Excess acid in bodily fluids can gradually dissolve bones over time.
Diagnosis
Several tests can be conducted to diagnose osteomalacia in an individual.
- Blood test: Low vitamin D levels are the main indicator, however osteomalacia may also be indicated by low calcium levels or a decline in phosphate levels.
- Imaging test: To determine whether there is any sign of osteomalacia, healthcare providers will order X-ray, this will also provide images of the bone structure.
- Bone mineral density test: This examination will be useful in determining how much calcium and other minerals are present in the patient’s bone segment. Although these scans are not necessary to diagnose osteomalacia, they may provide important details about the patients’ bone health.
- Bone biopsy: A bone biopsy could be recommended by the doctor in a rare circumstance. To do this, a sample of the bone tissue must be removed and examined.
Treatment
Depending on their specific situation, patients with osteomalacia may benefit from taking vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate supplements. If vitamin D deficiency is the cause of osteomalacia, it can be managed by increasing the intake of particular foods and supplements.
While it’s true that individuals can boost their vitamin D levels by spending more time in the sun, it’s important for them to consult their healthcare provider and use sunscreen. Prolonged sun exposure can elevate the risk of skin cancer.
Those who have intestinal malabsorption, in which the intestines cannot adequately absorb nutrients or vitamins, may need to take more amount of vitamin D and calcium. The cause of condition should be identified and treated.
The healthcare provider might prescribe a brace for the patient to wear to address broken or malformed bones caused by osteomalacia. If the condition is serious, they may need surgery.
