Osteomalacia
Medical Questions » Illnesses » Osteomalacia
| Name: Osteomalacia |
| Also known as: |
| The adult form of the bone disease rickets, which occurs only in growing children, and results in softening of the bones. |
Causes of Osteomalacia
A lack of calcium, usually due to overactivity of the parathyroid gland (which controls the calcium balance of the body) in the neck. Other causes include a deficiency in vitamin D or phosphate (both are essential to control calcium activity within the body), kidney failure, alcoholism and other poisons. |
Symptoms of Osteomalacia
May be very mild, or the patient may have muscle weakness, tiredness, and bone pain. |
Tests for Osteomalacia
Diagnosed by blood tests, X-ray and bone biopsy. |
Treatment for Osteomalacia
Improving the diet, prescribing vitamin D, giving calcium supplements and medications that force calcium into the bones.
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Complications of Osteomalacia of its treatment
Fractures are only slightly more common than would normally be expected. |
Likely Outcome of Osteomalacia
Further deterioration of bone strength unlikely with correct treatment. |
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