Osteomalacia

Refers to the softening of the bones due to defective bone mineralization.


The adult equivalent of rickets; a bone disorder due to deficiency of vitamin D, leading to inadequate absorption of calcium and loss of calcium from the bones.


A condition characterized by resorption of calcium from bones and resulting from a deficiency of vitamin D in the diet.


A condition in adults in which the bones become soft because of lack of calcium and Vitamin D, or limited exposure to sunlight.


Softening of bones through failure to lay down calcium and phosphorus as a result of inadequate supply of vitamin D and calcium, usually observed in women of child-bearing age.


A condition characterized by a weakening and softening of the bone and in which the bending of long bones can develop. Associated with vitamin D deficiency.


The adult form of rickets, the deficiency disease affecting children.


Abnormal softening of bone, due to loss of calcification resulting from a deficiency of phosphorus, calcium, or vitamin D, caused by a metabolic disorder resulting in malabsorption of these nutrients, or as a complication of another disease. Treatment involves administration of needed minerals and vitamins and correction of any underlying disorder.


Softening of the bone due to vitamin D deficiency in adults.


A rare condition, usually due to a deficiency of vitamin D, which causes bones to demineralize and lose excessive amounts of calcium and phosphorus. The result is softened and weakened bones, which are more vulnerable to fracture under slight stress. Sometimes called adult rickets, osteomalacia most commonly affects the bones of the pelvis, legs, and spine. The symptoms of osteomalacia include deformity of the affected bones and tenderness and pain in the bones and joints, similar to the discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis. There may also be fatigue and stiffness, frequent cramping, and difficulty standing.


Softening of the bones caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, either from a poor diet or lack of sunshine or both. It is the adult counterpart of rickets. Vitamin D is necessary for the uptake of calcium from food; the deficiency therefore leads to progressive decalcification of bony tissues, often causing bone pain. The condition may become irreversible if treatment with vitamin D is not given. Osteomalacia was formerly most common in women in the Middle and Far East, particularly during pregnancy, when calcium was lost from the skeleton and they were kept indoors and out of the sun.


Osteomalacia is the adult form of rickets. It is due to inadequate mineralization of osteoid tissue caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, and may arise because of inadequate intake, or be due to impaired absorption such as occurs in malabsorption syndrome. It may also be due to renal disease, as the kidney is responsible for the hydroxylation of cholecalciferol, which has virtually no metabolic action, to dihydroxycholecalciferol the metabolically active form of the vitamin.


A vitamin D deficiency in adults that results in a shortage or loss of calcium salts, causing bones to become increasingly soft, flexible, brittle, and deformed. An adult form of rickets, osteomalacia can also be traced to liver disease, cancer, or other ailments that inhibit the normal metabolism of vitamin D.


The process of bone tissue becoming more malleable due to a lack of sufficient vitamin D, which is an affliction that commonly affects adults and is a variant of rickets.


A condition characterized by the weakening and softening of bones due to insufficient intake of vitamin D and/or calcium in the diet.


The softening, weakening, and reduction of essential minerals in the bones of adults due to a lack of vitamin D is referred to as osteomalacia. In children, the corresponding condition is known as rickets.


Ensuring the formation and upkeep of strong bones necessitates a proper intake of calcium and phosphorus from one’s diet. However, these minerals cannot be effectively absorbed by the body without a satisfactory level of vitamin D. This essential vitamin is sourced from specific foods and is generated through the skin’s interaction with sunlight.


Osteomalacia can arise due to multiple factors, encompassing: inadequate intake of vitamin D from the diet (often due to a deficiency in sources like butter, fish, eggs, or fish-liver oils); limited exposure to sunlight; or hindered absorption of vitamin D within the intestine, potentially caused by conditions like coeliac disease or post-intestinal surgery. Uncommon causes comprise kidney failure, acidosis (heightened acidity in bodily fluids), and specific inherited metabolic disorders.


Osteomalacia is infrequent in developed nations; however, it might impact individuals with inadequate diets, particularly those with darker skin who receive limited sunlight exposure.


Osteomalacia leads to bone discomfort, primarily in the neck, legs, hips, and ribs. Moreover, there’s muscle weakness, particularly affecting the hips, making activities like standing and climbing stairs challenging. When blood calcium levels are markedly low, tetany (muscle spasms) can occur in the hands, feet, and throat. Weakened bones are susceptible to deformation and fractures, often without causing pain.


Management involves adopting a diet abundant in vitamin D and consistent supplementation. Additionally, calcium supplements might be prescribed.


A condition that results from a lack of vitamin D in adulthood, characterized by weakened bones, low levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, and an elevated excretion of calcium and phosphorus in the urine. This leads to the deformation and curvature of bones and an increased susceptibility to fractures.


 


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