Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
Definition Return to top
Osteomalacia involves softening of the bones caused by a deficiency of vitamin D or problems with the metabolism of this vitamin.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
There are numerous causes of osteomalacia. In children, the condition is called rickets and is usually caused by a deficiency of vitamin D.
Conditions that may lead to osteomalacia include:
Other conditions that may cause osteomalacia include:
Use of very strong sunscreen, limited exposure of the body to sunlight, short days of sunlight, and smog are factors that decrease formation of vitamin D within the body.
Risk factors for osteomalacia are related to the causes. In the elderly, there is an increased risk among people who tend to remain indoors and those who avoid milk because of lactose intolerance.
Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms associated with low calcium including:
Signs and tests Return to top
Other tests may be done to determine renal problems or other underlying disorders. They include:
Treatment Return to top
Oral supplements of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus may be given depending on the underlying cause of the disorder. Larger doses of vitamin D and calcium may be needed for people with intestinal malabsorption.
Monitoring of blood levels of phosphorus and calcium may be indicated for people with certain underlying conditions.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Improvement in the condition of the bones, evidenced by bone X-rays, can be seen within a few weeks in some people with vitamin deficiency disorders. Complete healing with treatment takes place in 6 months.Complications Return to top
Recurrence of symptoms is a possible complication.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteomalacia, or if you think that you may be at risk for this disorder.Prevention Return to top
An adequate dietary intake of dairy products that are fortified with vitamin D and exposure of the body to sunlight can prevent osteomalacia caused by vitamin D deficiency in adults.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |