Osteomalaciaandosteoporosisare both bone conditions that affect the bones in different ways.
This article discusses the different symptoms, causes, and treatments for osteomalacia and osteoporosis.
Causes
Osteomalacia
The most common cause of osteomalacia is a severevitamin D deficiency.
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The inside of healthy bone looks like a sponge.
This area is called trabecular bone.An outer shell of dense bone wraps around the spongy bone.
This hard shell is called cortical bone.
When the body needs calcium, it breaks down and rebuilds bone.
This process is called bone remodeling.
Up until about age 30, you normally build more bone than you lose.
With osteoporosis, you lose bone mass at a greater rate.
Bone mass is typically dependent on genetics, ethnicity, and sex.
To stay healthy, bones require activity as much as other parts of the body.
Living an inactive lifestyle, especially over time, contributes to bone loss, which directly causes osteoporosis.
X-raysare also performed to look for structural changes or cracks in bones.
It is an accurate way to detect osteomalacia, but it isn’t used often.
Abone density testis the only test that can diagnose osteoporosis before a broken bone occurs.
Predetermined standards for bone density give providers a range to categorize each person.
Diagnosing Osteomalacia and Osteoporosis
Diagnosis requires tests and imaging to differentiate osteomalacia and osteoporosis from other conditions.
Symptomatic osteomalacia and fractures as a result of osteoporosis can appear similar.
Treatment
Osteomalacia can be caught early and cured.
Depending on the severity of osteomalacia, takingvitamin D supplementsover several weeks can improve the condition.
Vitamin D is the main, but not sole, contributor to this condition.
Healthcare providers may also recommend calcium and phosphorus supplements in addition to vitamin D supplements.
Osteoporosis treatment depends on the results of the bone density test, age, and other risk factors.
If a bone density scan shows a high risk of fracture, medications are recommended.
Determining the underlying cause can also help your healthcare provider determine the best treatment for you.
Unlike osteomalacia, osteoporosis can have several other contributing factors, likehormonelevels.
The goal of treatment is to manage your symptoms and avoid fractures.
Medications and lifestyle changes are components of a typical treatment plan for osteoporosis.
Medications aim to strengthen bones and increase vitamins and minerals in the body.
Exercise is a helpful lifestyle change that can promote bone growth and strength.
Osteoporosis is commonlytreatedwith drugs called bisphosphonates.
These drugs help prevent further bone loss, slowing the disease and avoiding fractures.
Treatment Recap
Treatment options depend on the diagnosis and severity.
While osteomalacia can be cured after only a few weeks of supplements, osteoporosis treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
Providers prescribe medications for osteoporosis but not osteomalacia.
Prevention
Prevention for both conditions starts with a proper intake of vitamins and minerals.
With adequate levels of vitamin D and calcium, osteomalacia can be prevented.
Similarly, osteoporosis can be prevented by boosting your bone health.
Summary
Osteomalacia and osteoporosis appear similar, but have different symptoms, causes, and treatment.
It is critical for you to get the most accurate diagnosis to create a successful treatment plan.
While osteoporosis isn’t curable, there are ways to support bone growth and strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Osteomalacia is a bone disease due to vitamin D deficiencies.
Deficiency in minerals, including calcium, can also contribute to the condition.
Osteomalacia is a condition characterized by soft bone due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Osteoporosis is the deterioration of bone mass over time.
Osteomalacia and osteoporosis feel differently.
Osteomalacia can be reversed by following a treatment plan determined by your healthcare provider.
Treatment includes increasing vitamin and mineral levels and getting exercise.
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