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. ‚
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 care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Get at least 15 minutes of sunlight exposure per day.
- Add foods that are rich in vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus to your diet.
- If you have a broken bone, wear your brace, splint, or cast as directed. Use walker, crutches, or a wheelchair to get around safely. Your doctor or therapist will tell you how to do this.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Your blood levels will need to be checked on a regular basis. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need to have more blood tests. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Increase vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus levels
Will physical activity be limited?
Your doctor may tell you to avoid impact activities or activities that put you at risk for breaking a bone. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. If you have a broken bone, you may need to limit your activity. Ask your doctor what is safe for you to do. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
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.
What problems could happen?
- Broken bones
- Poor bone healing
- Loss of motion in a certain area
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Tingling or numbness in the arms, legs, or around your mouth
- Very bad bone pain
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have tingling or numbness in my arms, legs, or around my mouth, or bad bone pain.
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚