Medical Services
The Largest online database of patient reviews for doctors, facilities and online Appointment.
Osteomalacia/Rickets: Softening of the bones caused by vitamin D deficiency.
Osteomalacia (in adults) and rickets (in children) are disorders in which bones weaken due to a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Without enough vitamin D levels, bones become brittle and prone to deformities and fractures.
Rickets primarily affects growing children, causing bone malformations such as bowed legs, twisted spines, and bulging ribcages. In adults, osteomalacia causes bone discomfort, muscle weakness, and a higher risk of fractures. Adequate nutrition and sun exposure significantly prevent both disorders, as sunlight triggers the body's production of vitamin D.
Inadequate vitamin D consumption, limited sun exposure, and certain medical diseases that interfere with nutrient absorption, such as coeliac disease or chronic kidney illness, are all risk factors for osteomalacia and rickets.
Treatment often consists of vitamin D and calcium supplementation, as well as improving dietary consumption of these vital elements. In severe cases, further therapies may be required to treat underlying problems.
Individuals with osteomalacia or rickets can benefit significantly from early identification and treatment.