What Is Osteomalacia?

Osteomalacia is a disease characterized by the softening and weakening of the bones. This condition occurs due to a disruption in the bone mineralization process. Mineralization is the process by which minerals such as calcium and phosphate are deposited into the bone tissue, providing strength and hardness to the bones. Osteomalacia occurs in adults, while a similar condition in children is called rickets. In this article, we will answer frequently asked questions about osteomalacia to provide you with comprehensive information on the topic.

Osteomalacia Diagnosis and Treatment at A Life Health Group

At A Life Health Group, our experienced endocrinology and metabolic disease specialists, along with advanced diagnostic technologies, provide the best services for the diagnosis and treatment of osteomalacia. Through bone density measurements, blood tests, and other examinations, we detect osteomalacia at early stages and create personalized treatment plans to help you maintain healthy bones.

Osteomalacia is a disease characterized by the softening and weakening of the bones. This condition occurs due to a disruption in the bone mineralization process. Mineralization is the process by which minerals such as calcium and phosphate are deposited into the bone tissue, providing strength and hardness to the bones. Osteomalacia occurs in adults, while a similar condition in children is called rickets.

The most common cause of osteomalacia is vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphate. When there is a deficiency of vitamin D, the body cannot absorb these minerals adequately, causing the bones to soften and weaken. Other causes of osteomalacia include:

• Nutritional Disorders: Diets lacking calcium or phosphate can lead to osteomalacia.
• Malabsorption: Malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease, impair nutrient absorption in the intestines, causing deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate.
• Kidney Diseases: The kidneys convert vitamin D into its active form. Kidney diseases can disrupt this conversion, leading to vitamin D deficiency and osteomalacia.
• Liver Diseases: The liver plays a role in vitamin D metabolism. Liver diseases can impair this process, causing vitamin D deficiency and osteomalacia.
• Certain Medications: Some medications (such as antiepileptics and corticosteroids) can affect vitamin D metabolism or bone metabolism, leading to osteomalacia.
• Genetic Disorders: Rarely, genetic disorders can cause osteomalacia.

The symptoms of osteomalacia usually develop gradually and become more noticeable as the disease progresses. The most common symptoms include:

• Bone Pain: Widespread pain and tenderness in the bones, especially in the hips, back, legs, and ribs.
• Muscle Weakness: Weakness and fatigue in the muscles.
• Difficulty Walking: Limping, difficulty walking, and an increased risk of falls.
• Fractures: Bones may break easily due to weakness.
• Other Symptoms: Muscle cramps, numbness, and tingling sensations may also occur.

Osteomalacia can occur at any age, but it is more common in certain groups:

• Those with Vitamin D Deficiency: People who do not get enough sunlight, have a diet low in vitamin D, or have impaired intestinal absorption of vitamin D.
• Older Adults: Vitamin D production and absorption decrease with age.
• Individuals with Malabsorption Syndromes: People with conditions such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.
• People with Kidney or Liver Disease: Individuals with kidney or liver disorders.
• Those Taking Certain Medications: People using medications such as antiepileptics or corticosteroids.

Various methods can be used to diagnose osteomalacia:

• Physical Examination: The doctor will ask about the location and intensity of your bone pain and assess your muscle strength and joint range of motion.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests measure calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and vitamin D levels. Additional tests may be requested to evaluate kidney and liver function.
• Bone Density Measurement: Bone density measurement (DEXA) is a test that measures mineral density in the bones and can be used to diagnose bone diseases such as osteomalacia and osteoporosis.
• X-Ray: X-ray images can show signs of bone softening and weakening and can also detect fractures or cracks.
• Bone Biopsy: In rare cases, a small sample of bone tissue may be taken and examined under a microscope (bone biopsy).

Treatment of osteomalacia is aimed at addressing the underlying cause. Treatment options include:

• Vitamin D Supplementation: For osteomalacia caused by vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplements are given. These supplements can be taken orally or administered via injection.
• Calcium and Phosphate Supplementation: If osteomalacia is due to calcium or phosphate deficiency, supplements of these minerals are provided.
• Lifestyle Changes: Increasing exposure to sunlight, consuming foods rich in vitamin D, and engaging in regular exercise can help maintain bone health.
• Treatment of the Underlying Cause: If osteomalacia develops due to another condition (e.g., malabsorption syndrome, kidney disease), treating that condition is also necessary.

Osteomalacia and rickets are similar conditions that occur due to a disruption in the bone mineralization process. However, osteomalacia occurs in adults, while rickets occurs in children. Rickets affects bone development during childhood and can lead to bone deformities.

Some measures to prevent osteomalacia include:

• Get Enough Vitamin D: Ensure sufficient vitamin D intake by getting sunlight exposure and consuming vitamin D-rich foods. Use vitamin D supplements if necessary.
• Eat Foods Rich in Calcium and Phosphorus: Dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and nuts are rich in calcium. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and legumes are rich in phosphorus.
• Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity helps maintain bone health.
• Manage Your Risk Factors: Keep risk factors such as malabsorption syndromes, kidney disease, and liver disease under control.

• How common is osteomalacia?
  • The prevalence of osteomalacia varies by country and risk factors. It is more common in countries where vitamin D deficiency is widespread.
• Who is at risk for osteomalacia?
  • Osteomalacia can occur at any age, but it is more common in individuals with vitamin D deficiency, older adults, those with malabsorption syndromes, people with kidney or liver disease, and those taking certain medications.
• Is osteomalacia genetic?
  • Osteomalacia can rarely result from genetic disorders. In most cases, it is caused by vitamin D deficiency or other acquired factors.
• What other factors can cause osteomalacia besides vitamin D deficiency?
  • Besides vitamin D deficiency, osteomalacia can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, malabsorption, kidney disease, liver disease, certain medications, and genetic disorders.
• Which medications increase the risk of osteomalacia?
  • Some medications that increase the risk of osteomalacia include antiepileptic drugs, corticosteroids, certain chemotherapy agents, and proton pump inhibitors.
• What are the early symptoms of osteomalacia?
  • The early symptoms of osteomalacia are usually bone pain and muscle weakness.
• What happens if osteomalacia is left untreated?
  • If untreated, osteomalacia can lead to worsening bone pain, more frequent fractures, and difficulty walking. Additionally, bone deformities and disability may develop.