About this topic
Osteomalacia is a softening of the bones. In children, this problem is called rickets. Your body needs vitamin D to help make strong bones. This vitamin helps your body take in calcium and phosphorus. ‚
What are the causes?
Some people do not get enough vitamin D. They may not have enough in their diet. Vitamin D also comes from sunlight. If a person is not exposed to enough sunlight, they may have low vitamin D levels. Other people are not able to break down and use the vitamin D in the right way. This condition may also be caused by low vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus levels. This can also be caused by poor diet. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Children are more likely to have this problem between age 6 and 24 months. It may happen more often in infants who are only breast-fed. Children with darker skin are also more likely to have this problem. A child may have more problems during a time of a lot of growing.
- Adults are more likely to have this problem between age 50 and 80 years.
- Not enough vitamin D. This may be due to:
- Living in areas with little sunlight
- Using strong sunscreen
- Living in areas with heavy smog
- Problems with your diet like:
- Not drinking milk or eating dairy products
- Being lactose intolerant or having trouble digesting milk products
- Being a vegetarian
- Serious illnesses like:
- Being born with a problem breaking down and using vitamin D
- Cancer
- Kidney problems or failure
- Liver or pancreas disease
- Small bowel disease such as celiac disease
- Other causes like:
- Taking certain seizure drugs
- Poisoning from certain metals like cadmium, lead, aluminum
- Having someone in the family with this problem
What are the main signs?
- Problems with bones like:
- Bone pain, especially in hips, pelvis, lower spine, legs, arms, or ribs
- Bones break easily
- Bowed legs or knock knees
- Odd-shaped skull
- Breastbone sticks out
- Spine curves
- Teeth problems like:
- Teeth come in late
- Teeth are deformed or have defects
- More cavities
- Muscle weakness and low muscle tone
- Problem walking or slow in learning how to walk
- Muscle cramps
- Shorter than normal
Low calcium levels may cause: ‚
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Numbness in the arms, legs or around the mouth
- Cramps in the hands or feet
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam. The doctor may order blood tests to check levels of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate. Other tests may look for kidney problems. Your doctor may also order: ‚
- Bone biopsy or sampling of bone tissue
- X-ray
- Bone density test
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus vitamins taken by mouth
- Have you spend a small amount of time in the sun each day
- Changes to diet to and add foods with vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus
- Regular checking of blood levels. Levels may return to normal with treatment in a few weeks to 6 months.
- If bone breaks happen, you may need braces, cast, or splint. You may also need crutches, a walker, or wheelchair to help you move about.
Are there other health problems to treat?
If osteomalacia is caused by cancer or problems with the kidneys, liver, or small bowels, these will also need to be treated. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Increase vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus levels
What problems could happen?
- Broken bones
- Poor bone healing
- Loss of motion in a certain area
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Eat a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus.
- Vitamin D can be found in some fish, eggs, and liver oil. Many kinds of milk, orange juice, and cereal have vitamin D added.
- Calcium is found in low-fat dairy products and dark green leafy veggies. Tofu, canned salmon, and sardines also have calcium. Some orange juice and cereals have calcium added.
- Phosphorus is found in whole grains, bran, and cheese. It is also found in sunflower and pumpkin seeds and nuts.
- Try to get at least 15 minutes of sunlight each day.
Where can I learn more?
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/883/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rickets/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚