Osteomalacia: what is it? The disease is a violation of bone mineralization. As a result of this, the bones soften, they become brittle and are subject to all kinds of injuries and injuries. The clinic of the disease resembles rickets in children, which appears due to a lack of vitamin D3. This is a systemic process, because all the bones in the body are softened. Previously, this disease was quite rare. However, currently, due to the course of modern life, one in ten people suffers from this ailment. In most cases, bone mineralization is observed in women, sometimes osteomalacia occurs in animals.
Disease classification
This pathology is divided into many types, the nature of which depends on certain factors. Currently, the following types of osteomalacia are distinguished:
1) Depending on the course of the disease:
- deficient, that is, hypovitaminosis;
- vitamin-resistant, due to damage to the intestines or kidneys.
2) Depending on the chemical element that is involved in the exchange:
- phosphoropenic;
- calcipenic.
3) Depending on the gender and age of the patient:
- puerperal (osteomalacia in pregnant women);
- senile (occurs due to age-related changes);
- youthful (appears during puberty);
- menopause.
Causes of the disease
To understand why this ailment appears and what precedes it, a huge amount of research has been conducted. Scientists are perplexed, because of which the bones become soft and osteomalacia develops. As a result of many experiments, experts found that the pathology is generalized. In other words, this means that it is formed throughout the body. In most cases, the focus is in the bones. Today, doctors find it difficult to name specific causes.
However, the studies were not in vain, and it was possible to find out what factors influence this process. So, the following causes of osteomalacia are distinguished:
- hormonal changes;
- lack of vitamin D3 and calcium in the body;
- dystrophic ailments.
These factors are activators for disease progression. It is worth remembering that the sooner a disease is discovered, the easier it will be to cure it.
What affects the development of pathology?
Osteomalacia: what is it? As already noted, the disease is associated with softening of the bones. For many years, the best scientists have tried to find out what causes the ailment? As a result of research, certain causes were identified. More than 60% of patients did not find any deviations from the side of metabolism, and in childhood there was a sufficient amount of vitamin D in the body. However, by the age of 30-40, each of them was diagnosed with bone mineralization. This suggests that the roots of osteomalacia are buried in a genetic feature.
Scientists have also found that hormones are important. Indeed, in women, softening of bones occurs 10 times more often than in men. In addition, it is worth noting that most patients in one way or another relate to representatives of specific professions. This refers to work in chemical industries, living in an ecologically unfavorable zone, etc.
Signs of osteomalacia
There are two ways of developing the disease: asymptomatic and with the manifestation of certain signs. In the first case, the disease is detected on an x-ray, most often by accident. But there are situations when the symptoms of osteomalacia are quite pronounced.
The following signs of the disease are distinguished:
- constant, ongoing pain. Patients most often complain of pain in the heels, knees, ribs, pelvis, lower back. Moreover, unpleasant feelings arise both with a certain kind of load, and with pressure on the bone;
- outbreaks of severe pain. Due to the bones becoming fragile, even a small load on the musculoskeletal system can lead to a fracture or deformation. This causes severe pain, which can quickly pass and soon recur;
- muscle weakness. Hypovitaminosis leads to a violation of muscle functions. As a result, the patient has instability during walking, impaired coordination of movements and other cases associated with muscle weakness.
Diagnostics
Osteomalacia syndrome is diagnosed based on the patient's complaints, his medical history, external examination and research results. If the disease is in the initial stages, identifying it is quite simple. The patient undergoes standard procedures, after which the doctor makes an accurate diagnosis.
In the case of a prolonged course of the disease, the specialist will need more data about the patient. In order not to make a mistake in identifying the disease, the doctor asks the patient to undergo additional procedures. Most often this is an ECG, ultrasound, etc. It is important to note that osteomalacia in half the cases is accompanied by osteoporosis. It is characterized by multiple fractures. Therefore, the doctor should conduct research based on an assessment of bone density.
Possible complications
It is worth noting that osteomalacia is a very serious disease, and ignoring this ailment can lead to negative consequences. Untimely diagnosis adversely affects not only the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, but also on the body as a whole.
Osteomalacia: what is it? This is the process of the death of old cells, which, among other things, is an obstacle to the mineralization of new cells. Thus, all bone tissue becomes “soft”, which leads to significant deformations of the skeleton. This, in turn, affects internal vital organs. Deformation of the chest and pelvis causes very serious problems with the bladder, heart, lungs, intestines, etc.
Therapy
After specialists have discovered osteomalacia in a patient, the treatment process begins. Of course, before prescribing a course of therapy, you should first understand the reasons. If doctors can identify them, it will be a big victory. Then the treatment of osteomalacia will be aimed at eliminating the factors that were the activators of the disease.
Therapy is prescribed not by one doctor, but by a group of specialists. For this, a gastroenterologist, surgeon, orthopedist, etc. are involved. Sometimes, ten or more different doctors are collected for the correct treatment, so that the methods are most effective. When prescribing therapy, one should not forget about the complications that can occur at any time. Therefore, the patient is recommended to visit several more specialists of a narrower profile, for example, a cardiologist, neurologist or pulmonologist. Such a collaboration of doctors is able to prescribe the most effective method of treatment.
Using drugs
After detecting osteomalacia, specialists choose a method of therapy. There are two ways: medical and surgical. The latter is used in limited cases. As for treatment with drugs, it consists mainly of injections of vitamin D. First, large doses are administered, gradually reducing them during the treatment. In addition, doctors often prescribe the intake of vitamins B and C.
The fact is that they have an indirect effect on phosphorus and calcium metabolism, as well as normalize the functioning of the nervous system. This is especially effective for muscle weakness caused by osteomalacia. Vitamins B and C are aimed at enhancing the activity of vitamin D. It is worth noting that treatment should be carried out under the strict supervision of the attending physician. This is due to the fact that taking drugs requires constant monitoring of urine and blood counts and, if necessary, dose changes.
Surgical intervention
As already noted, this method is used in limited cases. It is used in the following conditions:
- when bone deformities disrupt the functioning of internal vital organs. In this case, doctors use vertebroplasty. It consists in strengthening the vertebrae with medical cement and polymers. Sometimes fixation of the ribs and pelvic bones with special designs is used;
- multiple fractures, accompanied by slow healing. Then doctors recommend the introduction of a medical design that will fix the bone in the correct position. This design is placed at the time of intergrowth and consists of metal or polymer.
In any case, such decisions are made by the doctor with the consent of the patient.
How does a diagnosis of osteomalacia affect lifestyle?
Symptoms and treatment of osteomalacia have a strong impact on the patient's life. He will need to completely reconsider his usual existence, as well as make a change in the diet.
So, some tips from experts:
- First of all, you should replace the usual half-bed and mattress with orthopedic ones. It is advisable that there be provided various zones of rigidity for the correct distribution of body weight. Since softening of the bones can lead to problems with the spine, this requirement cannot be ignored. You also need to create your daily routine so that there is time for a good rest;
- if work requires being in a static position for a long time, then you need to get up and do a warm-up at least 1 time per hour. It will be enough to walk around the office for several minutes or climb one flight of stairs;
- It is important to observe the drinking regimen. This requirement is especially relevant if osteomalacia is accompanied by osteoporosis. It must be remembered that the volume of all fluid should not exceed 2 liters per day. The attending physician will tell you the correct drinking regimen, and you must adhere to it;
- if the patient is overweight, you need to do everything possible to get rid of him. A decrease in body weight helps reduce the load on the bones.
Conclusion
Osteomalacia: what is it? In this article we have considered this concept. This is a disease characterized by a violation of bone mineralization. As a result of such exposure, the bones soften, which leads to unpleasant consequences.
After the detection of pathology, it is necessary to follow the doctor's recommendations. As practice shows, in disciplined patients, the development of osteomalacia stops, and the pain disappears. In some cases, cure for anatomical defects is possible. Therefore, in order to get rid of this ailment, you need to strictly monitor your health and listen to your doctor.