We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Osteomalacia?

By Sandra Koehler
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 13,747
Share

Osteomalacia, also commonly known as rickets in children, is a general term for the softening of the bone. It is caused by a deficiency in the bone-building process. A deficiency in vitamin D, whether through lack of sun exposure which prompts the production of vitamin D, through an insufficient intake of dietary vitamin D, or through a disorder that interferes with the absorption of vitamin D in the digestive tract, osteomalacia can cause bones to bow or fracture.

In the early stages, osteomalacia may only be detected through x-rays, bone scans or bone biopsies and blood tests to assess vitamin D levels. As it progresses, achy bone pain and muscle weakness are the major signs and symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment is essential not only for general pain-free mobility, but to prevent more serious complications, such as low blood-calcium levels, known as hypocalcemia.

Hypocalcemia can occur because vitamin D facilitates absorption of calcium in the intestinal tract. Calcium is vital for proper heart function. A decreased amount of calcium can lead to an irregular heart rhythm and eventually, heart failure. If experiencing spasms in hands and feet, numbness around mouth or in legs or arms, tachycardia or an irregular heartbeat, or seizure activity along with bone pain and muscle weakness, it is crucial to consult with a qualified medical professional to decrease the risks of further physical, potentially life-threatening complications that can be associated with osteomalacia.

Treatment of osteomalacia includes replenishing vitamin D through sun exposure and/or dietary alterations. Vitamin D supplements are also common. Supplements can be taken orally, or if deficiency is severe enough, via injection.

Prevention, however, may be the best treatment option. By simply allowing a few minutes of sun time a day and increasing the vitamin D in your diet through things like fish, bread, milk and yogurt, you can significantly decrease the risks of osteomalacia. If unsure whether your diet of choice offers enough vitamin D, over-the-counter supplements may be useful. Regular exercise, especially weight bearing exercises such as walking, can help strengthen the bones.

Most people diagnosed with osteomalacia, with proper treatment, see improvement within a few weeks, though full recovery may take anywhere up to six months. Prevention, the best treatment option, however, is an ongoing venture. The body needs a steady source of vitamins, including vitamin D, and prolonged lapses in its presence will result in an increase in the risks of another bout with osteomalacia.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon169709 — On Apr 22, 2011

My mother was told by an orthopedic doctor that she has something like osteomyelitis. Her bones in her fingertips are disintegrating and she develops blisters on her fingers that pop and then become like lesions. She was prescribed Vitamin D and that helped a little but she is still developing the blisters from time to time. Her fingers are also "clubbing" at the tips. We both think that the Osteomalacia plays a big role in her "diagnosis".

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-osteomalacia.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.