Osteomalacia is a condition we don’t hear too much about anymore- it’s the adult form of rickets. It is associated with low levels of vitamin D or calcium and causes weak bones and potential deformities.
What is Osteomalacia?
Osteomalacia is a condition that causes adults’ bones to soften. This causes bone and joint pain, and can lead to bony deformities, such as bowed legs. Affected bones are also more likely to fracture.
The condition has some similarities to osteoporosis, but the causes are different. Osteoporosis is often linked to hormonal changes in the menopause, as well as a reduction in exercise. Osteomalacia is largely the result of a vitamin D deficiency, although this can affect osteoporosis too. Osteoporotic bone becomes less dense as it demineralises, with larger gaps forming in the honeycomb structure inside the bones. The honeycomb structure does not change in osteomalacia, but structural integrity is still lost.
Symptoms
Symptoms are largely focused to bones and joints. If you have osteomalacia you may experience:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin. The body can produce it itself when the skin is exposed to enough sunlight. It can also be absorbed from the food we eat- cereals and other foods are now fortified with vitamin D among other nutrients to boost our levels. It is important for absorbing minerals like calcium, which in turn helps to strengthen bones.
In the UK, about 40% of the adult population under 65 has low levels of vitamin D during the winter. People with darker skin generally have lower levels of vitamin D than those with lighter skin. Deficiency affects people who spend less time in the sunlight, cover a lot of their skin, or have a reduced ability to absorb vitamin D. Some medications interfere with the body’s processing of vitamin D, and the prescribing doctor should make you aware of this or offer supplements where appropriate.
Vitamin D supplements are generally recommended for everyone in the UK between October and March, but those at higher risk of deficiency are advised to take them all year round.
Relevance to Osteopathy
Your osteopath cannot cure osteomalacia, nor can they reverse any changes to the shape of bone. However, it is important for us to be aware of the condition, as the increased risk for fracture will alter the treatment plan. It is also possible that someone might come to see us before their GP for their joint or muscle pain, so we need to be able to flag possible cases for investigation.
Alongside the joint and muscle pains, some people also develop pins and needles. These typically effect the hands and feet, presenting differently to the pins and needles we expect in sciatica. Features like this might help us to indentify undiagnosed cases of osteomalacia, therefore allowing us to better manage your case.
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