osteomalacia
Osteomalacia means softening of the bones caused by vitamin D deficiency Soft bones are prone to deforming or breaking, unlike hard, healthy bones
Osteomalacia is not the same as osteoporosis, another bone disease that is also associated with fractures. Osteomalacia is caused by a violation of the bone synthesis process, while osteoporosis is caused by the weakening of the existing bone.
Muscle weakness and dull bone pain are the main symptoms of osteomalacia Treatment includes getting enough vitamin D, along with calcium, and treating other diseases that may cause a deficiency.
The body uses calcium and phosphate to build strong bones Osteomalacia develops if you don't get enough of these substances in your diet or your body can't absorb them. Examples are:
- Vitamin D deficiency Through sunlight, vitamin D is produced in the skin The body needs vitamin D to use calcium Osteomalacia can develop in people who don't spend enough time in the sun, use sunscreen that's too strong, or don't go out in the sun.
People who live in parts of the world where the sun's rays are short or the diet does not include calcium and vitamin D also show osteomalacia. Vitamin D deficiency is the leading cause of osteomalacia worldwide - certain surgical procedures Normally, the stomach digests food and causes the release of vitamin D and other minerals, which are absorbed in the intestines. This process is disrupted by gastrectomy and causes osteomalacia. Small bowel surgery can also cause osteomalacia
- Celiac In this autoimmune disease, the lining of the small intestine is damaged by eating gluten-containing foods. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and other grains Vitamin D cannot be absorbed in sufficient quantities due to damage to the small intestine
- Kidney or liver pathologies Kidney or liver problems prevent the processing of vitamin D
- Medications Antiepileptic drugs such as phenytoin or phenobarbital have been associated with the development of osteomalacia.
In the early stages, there may be no symptoms of osteomalacia, although signs can be seen on X-rays and other diagnostic tests. As osteomalacia worsens, bone pain and muscle weakness develop
Dull pain associated with osteomalacia is common in the lower back, pelvis, lower extremities, and ribs. The pain may worsen at night when you put weight on your bones
Decreased muscle tone and weakness of the lower limbs leads to changes in gait and makes it difficult to move.
