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ABC Medical Center > Osteomalacia

What is Osteomalacia?

21:55 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

It is a bone condition in which the bones cannot be strengthened or mineralized, mainly due to a lack of vitamin D, and although it usually affects the elderly, it can occur at any stage of life because the bones constantly undergo a bone replacement process.

Osteomalacia is not bone loss, as in osteoporosis, but the softening of the bones due to a lack of mineralization as part of the bone-building process, leaving the collagen soft and vulnerable.

This pathology arises due to the following:

  • Low levels of vitamin D due to a poor diet or because the body cannot absorb it, as well as a lack of sunlight exposure.
  • Weight loss surgeries.
  • Celiac disease.
  • Genetic factors.
  • Lack of phosphorus.
  • Antacid medications or to control epileptic seizures.
  • Liver problems.
  • Kidney disorders.
  • Some types of cancer.

Signs and symptoms Osteomalacia

Characteristic symptoms include:

  • Difficulty walking
  • Muscle spasms.
  • Feet and pelvis bone fractures.
  • Bones sensitive to minor shocks.
  • Lumbar and pelvic pain.
  • Sore, weak, and stiff muscles.
  • Sore legs

However, some people may not have symptoms.

Diagnosis and treatment Osteomalacia

Once the doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination and order blood and urine tests to assess.

  • High levels of parathyroid hormones.
  • High levels of alkaline phosphatase.
  • Low calcium levels.
  • Low phosphate levels.

You may also require bone density tests and X-rays to determine how advanced the osteomalacia is. Treatment consists of providing the necessary nutrients for bone mineralization, as well as:

  • Not consuming alcohol.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Taking vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus supplements constantly.
  • Performing physical activity regularly.
  • Taking daily sunbaths.

At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Department, we offer health care services with the highest quality and safety, from the prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and monitoring of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies of both chronic-degenerative diseases and acute conditions, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Fuentes:

  • my.clevelandclinic.org
  • reumatologiaclinica.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • heathline.com
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Mendoza MJF, Moreno VMÁ, León DJV, et al. Osteomalacia. Diagnóstico y tratamiento. Rev Cub de Reu. 2019;21(2):1-11.
  • Velásquez-Jones L, Medeiros-Domingo M. Raquitismos hipofosfatémicos hereditarios. Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex. 2013;70(6):421-431.
  • Zuluaga ENA, Alfaro VJM, Balthazar GV, et al. Vitamina D: nuevos paradigmas. Medicina & Laboratorio. 2011;17(05-06):211-246.
  • Vallejo AJ. Osteoporosis, osteopenia y osteomalacia. Ortho-tips. 2010;6(1):50-58.

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