Many people wonder what are the forms of osteomalacia in children? What are the most prominent symptoms? Are there treatments to prevent the disease from getting worse? Find out the answers in the following article.
Osteomalacia refers to a marked softening of a child''s bones, a disease that causes weak bones and may lead to fractures easily.
The reason is often due to a severe deficiency in vitamin D due to not obtaining it from the necessary sources, or due to a disorder in the digestive system or kidneys, which may affect the body''s ability to absorb vitamins.
There are often several types of it. Have you ever known about the forms of osteomalacia in children?
Forms of osteomalacia in children
Osteomalacia occurs in children for several reasons, most often in the weight-bearing bones in the legs, and pain can be felt in areas such as: the lower back, pelvis, hips, and ribs.
Learn with us in the following paragraph about the forms of osteomalacia in children
1. Forms of osteomalacia in children: caused by a deficiency of vitamin D and calcium
Osteomalacia resulting from a deficiency of vitamin D or calcium is the most common form, as both are important for the development of strong, healthy bones.
So when they are not obtained from sources, such as: sunlight, diet, or nutritional supplements, this leads over time to softening of the bones in children, which in turn leads to rickets.
2. Forms of osteomalacia in children: resulting from a genetic defect
One of the rare forms of osteomalacia in children is the occurrence of some genetic or hereditary disorders, as the child suffers from a deficiency in phosphate levels, due to the abnormal treatment of the kidneys and bones with phosphate, which leads to weak and softened bones.
3. Forms of osteomalacia in children: resulting from certain surgeries
Some children undergo certain surgeries, such as removing part of the stomach or small intestine, which disrupts the process of breaking down food through which nutrients important for the growth of strong and healthy bones can be obtained, and thus may lead to a deficiency in calcium and vitamin D levels.
4. Forms of osteomalacia in children: resulting from celiac disease
Celiac disease is an immune disorder, as the damaged intestinal lining cannot absorb nutrients well, which leads to a deficiency in vitamin D and calcium in the child.
5. Forms of osteomalacia in children: resulting from some medications
Osteomalacia can be caused by some of the medications used for seizures, so if the kidneys do not properly process the acids, this leads to a build-up of fluid in the body, which in turn leads to the dissolution of the bones and the development of osteomalacia.
Symptoms of osteomalacia in children
Osteomalacia in children causes some common symptoms, which include
1. Common symptoms
They include
Pain, which negatively affects the child''s ability to walk.
Poor growth and development, such as: the child may be shorter than average height.
Osteoporosis, as the bones become weaker and more prone to fractures.
Skeletal deformities, such as: thickening of the ankles, knees, and skull bones.
Dental problems including weakening of the enamel layer, delayed eruption of teeth, and tooth decay.
2. Other symptoms
like
Hypocalcemia.
muscle cramps
Tingling in the hands and feet.
Weakness of the muscles of the arms and thighs.
Difficulty getting up from sitting or climbing stairs.
Seizures.
Methods for diagnosing osteomalacia in children
It can be difficult to diagnose osteomalacia in children, but the doctor may recommend the following tests:
Blood and urine tests: to detect the levels of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus in the body.
X-ray imaging: to detect structural changes and minor cracks in the bone.
Bone biopsy: This is done by ing a thin needle through the skin and into the pelvic bone, in order to obtain a sample to detect whether the child has osteomalacia or not.
Treatment of osteomalacia in children
To follow up on the most important information about forms of osteomalacia in children, we offer you the treatment methods used to prevent the disease from getting worse, including:
Increase your vitamin D and calcium levels by eating more foods rich in them, or by taking supplements.
Spending more time outside for safe exposure to sunlight to help the child''s body produce vitamin D.
Wearing braces to reduce or prevent aggravation of osteomalacia in children, and they also help correct the position of the bones and alleviate the symptoms that the child suffers from.
Consult a doctor to get an appropriate treatment plan, as some cases of bone deformity may require surgical intervention.
