Table of Contents
- What Is Osteoporosis?
- What Is Osteomalacia?
- Difference Between Osteoporosis and Osteomalacia
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is an age-related condition characterised by decreasing bone mass and a higher risk of fractures. A common cause is reduced oestrogen levels.
Typically, the gaps in our bones resemble a honeycomb structure. For those who have osteoporosis, these spaces expand significantly. As a result, fracture risk rises, and bone strength declines.
Osteoporosis is a condition that many people don’t become aware of until after they break or fracture a bone. However, osteoporosis does not show any symptoms initially. It can go unnoticed for a long time, which is why it’s sometimes called a “silent” disease.
What Is Osteomalacia?
Osteomalacia is a disease that prevents bone mineralization (or hardening) as it normally would. As a result, bones become weak and “soft,” and they degrade more quickly than they are generated. As a result, those who have osteomalacia are more prone to have broken or bent bones. In children, osteomalacia is called rickets.
It is usually caused by a lack of vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption.
Vitamin D deficiency can result from dietary problems, lack of sunlight exposure, and digestive issues.
A shortage in vitamin D can occur when the body has difficulty absorbing it. Nutrient absorption issues can result from several medical conditions, such as cancer, kidney, and liver problems, as well as drugs for ailments like seizures and celiac disease.
Difference between Osteoporosis and Osteomalacia
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Osteoporosis is often called a “silent” disease because it has no symptoms and can go undetected. Loss of height, a shift in posture (bending forward or stooping), shortness of breath, and lower back pain are all warning signs of osteoporosis. |
Osteomalacia is often identified by discomfort in the hips and joints, muscle weakness, and discomfort in walking. |
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Some factors contributing to osteoporosis include menopause, being bedridden, chronic kidney illness, rheumatoid arthritis, long-term steroid use, etc. The early phases of this condition are primarily symptomless, but as it progresses, bone pain, height loss, non-traumatic fractures, neck pain, and kyphosis become more prominent. |
A significant vitamin D deficiency is the leading cause of osteomalacia. Lack of vitamin D prevents the proper maturation of bones, which is necessary for calcium absorption and sustaining bone health. This results in pseudofractures in the body, which cause pain and other symptoms. |
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Only a bone density test can detect osteoporosis before a broken bone happens. |
Blood and urine tests are performed to measure vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium levels to diagnose osteomalacia accurately. X-rays can also be taken to check for fractures or structural changes in the bones. |
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Treatment for osteoporosis is based on age, other risk factors, and the outcomes of the bone density test. Medication is advised if a bone density scan indicates a high fracture risk. |
Osteomalacia can be treated if detected early. Taking vitamin D doses over several weeks may help mitigate osteomalacia, depending on its severity. |
Summary
A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals is the first step in preventing these diseases. Osteomalacia can be avoided by maintaining enough calcium and vitamin D levels.
Similarly, improving bone health will prevent developing osteoporosis. This is accomplished by eating a diet rich in minerals and vitamin D, consuming supplements, and exercising frequently.
Both osteoporosis and osteomalacia are severe bone disorders. It’s critical to receive an early diagnosis to receive the proper care and maintain the health of the bones.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you have both osteomalacia and osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis and osteomalacia can both coexist. Up to 70% of individuals with osteomalacia have low bone density, which could be categorised as osteoporosis.
What causes osteomalacia?
Vitamin D deficiency is the main cause of the bone disease osteomalacia. Calcium deficiency is also one of the causes of this illness.
