Warning Signs Of Osteomalacia

Osteomalacia is a softening of the bones, typically caused by an extreme vitamin D deficiency. Celiac disease, kidney and liver problems, and digestive tract surgeries can also cause osteomalacia. It can occur both in children and older adults and has some warning signs that should never be ignored. During the initial stages of osteomalacia, symptoms might not be apparent unless detected via x-ray or another type of testing done by a doctor. However, over time, symptoms can manifest and should be addressed by a medical team.

Muscle Weakness

While muscle weakness in individuals with osteomalacia can occur for many reasons, it is a warning sign that should not be taken lightly. Weakness generally occurs at the sites where muscles meet the softening bones. Muscle pain and weakness are often noticeable throughout the pelvic girdle. Weakness in the muscles can become progressive as the bones continue to soften over time. Unfortunately, this symptom can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis, as osteomalacia does often get mislabeled as osteoporosis, so it is important for doctors to take other warning signs into consideration.

Bone Pain

Bone pain is a common feature of osteomalacia since, of course, softening of the bones is downright painful. This type of pain will most commonly manifest in the lower back, legs, and pelvic girdle. When a person stands upright and puts their full weight onto the affected area, the pain can worsen. Also, the pain can become more pronounced during the night and gets triggered by standing up or making sudden movements while laying down. Over time, the bones can become so weakened that fractures are easily sustained, which makes it important to address this type of pain in a timely fashion with a medical team.