Osteomalacia

Overview

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.