Osteomalacia
Answers to common questions about osteomalacia.
Questions on this page
What is osteomalacia?
Osteomalacia is a disorder in which newly formed bone does not mineralise properly.
It is different from osteoporosis.
What causes osteomalacia?
Possible causes include:
- Severe vitamin D deficiency
- Phosphate disorders
- Kidney disease
- Certain medications
- Problems with calcium or phosphate metabolism
What are the symptoms?
Bone pain
Muscle weakness
Difficulty walking
Fractures
Is osteomalacia the same as osteoporosis?
No.
Osteomalacia
Osteoporosis
Poor mineralisation of bone
Loss of bone mass/strength
Often related to vitamin D, calcium or phosphate problems
Often related to ageing and other risk factors
Can cause bone pain and weakness
Often silent until fracture
Treat the underlying cause
Fracture-prevention treatment
Can osteomalacia be treated?
Yes.
Treatment focuses on correcting the underlying cause, such as vitamin D, calcium or phosphate abnormalities.