All about osteomalacia  causes of osteomalacia symptoms of osteomalacia diagnosis of osteomalacia treatment for osteomalacia |
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How is osteomalacia diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose osteomalacia with blood tests, x-rays, and sometimes a biopsy. A simple blood test is all that is needed to make the diagnosis – the levels of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D are easily measured. There are other blood tests which also help to make the diagnosis. Alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme produced by osteoblasts, is raised in osteomalacia (that is, the levels in the blood are higher than usual). Parathyroid hormone, produced by the parathyroid gland, is raised as part of the body's reaction to the condition. |
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More information on osteomalacia
What is osteomalacia? - Osteomalacia involves softening of the bones caused by a deficiency of vitamin D or problems with the metabolism of this vitamin.
What causes osteomalacia? - Osteomalacia is caused by not getting enough vitamin D (vitamin D deficiency). A deficiency in vitamin D leads to the loss of calcium and phosphorus.
What're the symptoms of osteomalacia? - Osteomalacia causes fatigue and pain in the back, ribs, and hips. People with osteomalacia may have trouble getting up from a chair or climbing steps.
How is osteomalacia diagnosed? - Doctors diagnose osteomalacia with blood tests, x-rays, and sometimes a biopsy. Blood tests also help to make the diagnosis.
What's the treatment for osteomalacia? - Oral supplements of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus may be given to treat osteomalacia depending on the underlying cause of the disorder. |
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