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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffOsteomalacia refers to a softening of your bones, usually caused by a vitamin D deficiency. In children, this condition is called rickets. Soft bones are more likely to bow and fracture than are harder, healthy bones.
Osteomalacia is not the same as osteoporosis, another bone disorder that can also lead to bone fractures. Osteomalacia results from a defect in the bone-building process, while osteoporosis develops due to a weakening of previously constructed bone.
Achy bone pain and muscle weakness are the major signs and symptoms of osteomalacia. Treatment for osteomalacia involves replenishing low levels of vitamin D and calcium, and treating any underlying disorders that may be causing the deficiencies.
- Osteomalacia. In: Firestein S, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/121322005-3/806510556/1807/697.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3285-4..10092-0--s0200_3401. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
- Osteoporosis overview. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/default.asp. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
- Menkes CJ. Clinical manifestations and etiology of osteomalacia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
- Metabolic and endocrinologic problems: Osteomalacia. In: Barker LR, et al. Principles of ambulatory medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2007:1444.
- Drezner MK. Osteomalacia and rickets. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/121322005-5/806576325/1492/956.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50270-6_12054. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
- Menkes CJ. Diagnosis and treatment of osteomalacia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 20, 2009.
- Calcium and vitamin D: Important at every age. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/Nutrition/default.asp. Accessed Feb. 20, 2009.
