Osteomalacia

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

While you may initially consult your family physician, he or she may refer you to a rheumatologist — a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones.

What you can do
You may want to write a list that includes:

  • Detailed descriptions of your symptoms
  • Information about medical problems you've had
  • Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings
  • All the medications and dietary supplements you take
  • Questions you want to ask the doctor

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will want to know if there's anything in your medical history — such as celiac disease or gastric bypass surgery — that may increase your risk of vitamin D deficiency. He or she will ask about any pain you've been having, and may press on your bones to check for tender spots.

References
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Menkes CJ. Clinical manifestations and etiology of osteomalacia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
  4. Metabolic and endocrinologic problems: Osteomalacia. In: Barker LR, et al. Principles of ambulatory medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2007:1444.
  5. 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.
  6. Menkes CJ. Diagnosis and treatment of osteomalacia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 20, 2009.
  7. 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.

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May 2, 2009

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