How To Treat Osteomalacia

When the body does not get enough calcium or vitamin D, the bones can suffer. Osteomalacia is the term for when the bones get softer. This condition, however, is not the same as osteoporosis, where the bones get brittle. There are very few symptoms of osteomalacia. The most common one is having bones that are easily fractured. Muscle weakness can also happen, as a result of problems with how the muscles can attach to the soft bones. Hip pain is often the only early indication of a problem. Patients need to get blood tests done to be diagnosed with this disease. Numerous issues can develop from this condition, but some things can be done to improve osteomalacia.

Increasing Your Vitamin D Intake

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for bone health. The reason for this is it helps the body absorb calcium properly. Luckily, there are simple ways of increasing your intake of vitamin D. Supplements are easily available at any grocery store or pharmacy. You could also try to add more of the vitamin to your diet. Examples of foods high in vitamin D include milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese, and liver. Certain fishes, such as swordfish, tuna, and salmon, are high in vitamin D as well. You can also buy orange juice that has been fortified with extra vitamin D. If none of those work for you, there are some breakfast cereals on the market with a decent amount of vitamin D. Be sure to read nutrition labels on these cereals to see which ones actually help with your bone health.

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Sun Exposure

It is fairly well-known the human body can absorb vitamin D from sun exposure. Sunlight actually creates this important nutrient right on your skin. This is why individuals struggle with a deficiency in winter months. Those who live in areas with short days are also more at risk of developing a deficiency and potentially osteomalacia. Anyone who is restricted to being indoors is at risk as well. Spending a little more time outside in the sun can help with symptoms of osteomalacia, but proceed with caution. Wear plenty of sunscreen and follow any recommendations made by your doctor. Too much sun exposure can greatly increase your risk of skin cancer. Of all of the causes of osteomalacia, a lack of vitamin D is the number-one, worldwide.

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Treating An Underlying Cause

Certain diseases and disorders can affect the body's ability to absorb the vitamin D and calcium it needs to have healthy bones. Celiac disease, which affects the immune system, is a good example of this. It causes foods containing gluten to actually weaken the walls of the small intestine. This is devastating on the body's ability to absorb vitamin D as well as calcium. Any disease of either the kidney or livers can also contribute to osteomalacia. This is because both of these organs are essential to 'activating' vitamin D. When they are not functioning properly, they are not helping your body absorb and use this nutrient. Sometimes, treating an underlying cause is more important than increasing your intake of vitamin D or calcium.

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Increasing Your Calcium Intake

Calcium is the other nutrient necessary for strengthening your bones and making them hard. Increasing your calcium intake, either through supplements or dietary changes, can help resolve osteomalacia. Luckily, many foods high in vitamin D are also high in calcium. Most dairy products are a good source of both. For individuals who were lucky enough to have had their doctor diagnose osteomalacia early, diet changes may be enough. Sometimes, doctors recommend taking a phosphate supplement along with calcium, as phosphate is important for bone metabolism. Without enough calcium and phosphate for proper bone metabolism, there will be insufficient bone mineralization.

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Braces And Surgery

When osteomalacia is severe, it may be time to consider braces and surgery. Braces are useful for both correcting and preventing abnormalities in bone formation. Supports and braces can also prevent you from experiencing a painful fracture or break. Although they can be awkward to wear, braces can be the best line of defense while trying to increase your calcium and vitamin D intake.

Surgery is often the most dramatic treatment option and is reserved for severe cases. The surgery is aimed at correcting bone deformities that are already present. Surgery is most often called for when the bones affected are weight-bearing ones. Sometimes, osteomalacia can be tumor-induced. In these cases, surgically removing the tumor is the most effective treatment.