Osteomalacia - 6 Factors That Can Cause It!

The weakening of the bones during the bone development or formation process is called Osteomalacia. Osteomalacia, when it occurs in children, is called Rickets. A lot of people confuse it with osteoporosis, which affects bones that have already been formed.

One’s bones need phosphorus and calcium to remain strong and healthy. However, the minerals get broken down by Vitamin D. Osteomalacia occurs when the body is lacking in Vitamin D, without which, bones become flexible and soft. The primary symptom of Osteomalacia is pain in the bones, generally experienced in the hips. The pain can also be felt in the arms, legs and the spine. As the disease progresses, the bones become weaker and the pain increases.

Causes of Osteomalacia

The primary cause behind Osteomalacia is the lack of Vitamin D. Vitamin D gets generated in the skin when it is exposed to the sun’s UV rays. Vitamin D can also be found in dairy products and fish. A lack of exposure to the sun and absence of Vitamin D-rich foods from the diet may lead to Osteomalacia. However, even if you are getting enough sun and Vitamin D in your food, there are other ways in which Vitamin D deficiency can occur:

1. Some forms of cancer inhibit the absorption of Vitamin D
2. Celiac disease can damage the lining of the intestine, preventing the absorption of Vitamin D.
3. Liver disorders
4. Kidney disorders
5. A lack of phosphate in the diet can also lead to Osteomalacia
6. Some drugs that are used to treat seizures can also cause Osteomalacia

Treatment of Osteomalacia

The treatment of Osteomalacia, if the disease is diagnosed early, is fairly simple. You just need to increase your consumption of Vitamin D. Your doctor may ask you to take Vitamin D supplements, increase the intake of the vitamin in your diet in the form of milk products and fish. Getting just the right amount of exposure to the sun is also important in this regard. Getting Vitamin D injected into the body is another way to make up for the deficiency in this vitamin in the body.