Osteomalacia

is a disease affecting mainly adult women, where the bones are generally softened due to the impaired deposition of calcium. It is thought to be caused by lack of vitamin D.

Cause

Most people get enough vitamin d naturally through sunshine on the skin and through food. People who spend a lot of time indoors or people with dark skin living in cold climates could be lacking in sufficient levels of natural vitamin d.

Symptoms

Symptoms may begin with a general feeling of malaise along with aches and pains which come on gradually often in the lower back and hips but in more severe cases all bones can be affected.

Diagnosis

Medical history and blood tests for vitamin D levels are often all that is needed to diagnose Osteomalacia. X-rays are not normally taken as this will not show up the condition.

Treatment

The normal treatment is a vitamin D supplement