Osteomalacia is softening of the bones. It most often occurs because of a problem with vitamin D, In children, the condition is called rickets. Osteomalacia is more common in women and often happens during pregnancy.
Symptoms
- Bone pain, especially in the hips, is a common symptom. A dull, aching pain can spread from hips to lower back,pelvis,legs and ribs
- Easily broken bones
- Feeling tired
- Stiffness
- Trouble getting up from sitting or walking up stairs
- Weak muscles in arms and thighs
People with osteomalacia may walk with a waddling, side-to-side stride.
Causes
- A lack of the proper amount of calcium leads to weak and soft bones.
- Lack of vitamin D
- Cancer
- Kidney failure and acidosis
- Lack of enough phosphates in the diet
- Liver disease
- Side effects of medicines used to treat seizures