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What is osteomalacia?
While you may initially consult your family physician, he or she may refer you to a rheumatologist a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones.
Read more on www.mayoclinic.com
Also known as Osteomalacias
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osteomalacia information from trusted sources:
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is softening of the bones due to a lack of vitamin D or a problem with the body's ability to break down and use this vitamin. Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia refers to a softening of your bones, usually caused by a vitamin D deficiency. In children, this condition is called rickets. Soft bones are more likely to bow and fracture than are harder, healthy bones. Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Osteomalacia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Osteomalacia is the softening of the bones due to defective bone mineralization secondary to inadequate amounts of available phosphorus and calcium. ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
Osteomalacia
Illustrated article details what it is, different types and causes, and treatment. Includes Flash movie and xrays. Read more on
courses.washington.edu
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia means "soft bones." Osteomalacia is a disease that weakens bones and can cause them to break more easily. In osteomalacia, the bone tends to ... Read more on
my.clevelandclinic.org
Osteomalacia Information on Healthline
Osteomalacia is softening of the bones due to a lack of vitamin D or a problem with the body's ability to break down and use this vitamin. Read more on
www.healthline.com
Osteomalacia Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments and Causes ...
Jan 26, 2011 ... Osteomalacia information including symptoms, diagnosis, misdiagnosis, treatment, causes, patient stories, videos, forums, prevention, ... Read more on
www.wrongdiagnosis.com
Osteomalacia and Renal Osteodystrophy: eMedicine Radiology
Mar 23, 2010 ... Overview: Osteomalacia is characterized by incomplete mineralization of normal osteoid tissue following closure of the growth plates. Read more on
emedicine.medscape.com
Osteomalacia definition - Medical Dictionary definitions of ...
Mar 12, 2011 ... Osteomalacia: Softening of bone, particularly in the sense of bone weakened by demineralization (the loss of mineral) and most notably by ... Read more on
www.medterms.com
osteomalacia - definition of osteomalacia in the Medical ...
osteomalacia /os·teo·ma·la·cia/ (os″te-o-mah-la´shah) inadequate or delayed mineralization of osteoid in mature cortical and spongy bone; it is the adult ... Read more on
medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com
Contents
Causes
The softer bones seen in persons with osteomalacia have a normal amount of collagen, which gives the bones its structure, but lack the proper amount of calcium.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Complications
If you have osteomalacia, you're more likely to experience broken bones, particularly in your ribs, spine and legs.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Exams and Tests
Blood tests will be done to check vitamin D, creatinine, calcium, and phosphate levels.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Medical advice
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteomalacia, or if you think that you may be at risk for this disorder.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Outlook (Prognosis)
Improvement can be seen within a few weeks in some people with vitamin deficiency disorders. Complete healing with treatment takes place in 6 months.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Possible Complications
Prevention
A diet rich in vitamin D and getting plenty of sunlight can help prevent osteomalacia due to a vitamin D deficiency.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Risk factors
The risk of developing osteomalacia is highest in people who have both inadequate dietary intake of vitamin D and little exposure to sunlight, such as older adults and those who are housebound or hospitalized.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Symptoms
Symptoms may also occur due to low calcium levels. These include:Bone fractures that happen with very little injury; Muscle weakness ; Widespread bone pain, especially in the hips; Abnormal heart rhythms; Numbness around the mouth; Numbness of arms and legs; Spasms of hands or feet
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Tests and diagnosis
In order to pinpoint the underlying cause of osteomalacia and to rule out other bone disorders, such as osteoporosis, you may undergo one or more of the following tests: Blood and urine tests. In cases of osteomalacia caused by vitamin D deficiency or by phosphorus loss, abnormal levels of vitamin D and the minerals calcium and phosphorus are often detected.; X-ray. Slight cracks in your bones that are visible on X-rays, referred to as Looser transformation zones, are a characteristic feature of people with osteomalacia.; Bone biopsy. During a bone biopsy, your doctor inserts a slender needle through your skin and into your bone to withdraw a small sample for viewing under a microscope....
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www.mayoclinic.com
Treatments and drugs
When osteomalacia arises from a dietary or sunlight deficiency, replenishing low levels of vitamin D in your body usually cures the condition.
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www.mayoclinic.com