National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Osteomalacia


Osteomalacia is a disease that is characterized by a weakening of the bone, often due to a deficiency of vitamin D. This vitamin supports the development of the bones of the body, so when there are low levels of vitamin D, the bones are not strong enough. Symptoms of osteomalacia can include muscle weakness, bone pain, and walking with a waddling gait. Pain is especially likely to occur in the lower back, hips, and legs. The weakening of the bones may also cause them to easily fracture.[1] 

Osetomalacia can be caused by having a low level of vitamin D in the diet or lack of sun exposure. The condition may also be the result of an underlying disease such as celiac disease, or kidney or liver disorders. 

Diagnosis of osteomalacia is possible through blood or urine tests to check for vitamin D levels or a bone biopsy. Treatment options include supplementing the diet with more vitamin D or calcium. Any underlying condition will also need to be treated.[2]  

Last updated: 9/23/2016

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Osteomalacia. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The Mayo Clinic Web site provides further information on Osteomalacia.
  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
  • The The Cleveland Clinic Web site has an information page on Osteomalacia. Click on the Cleveland Clinic link to view this page.

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.

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  1. Bhan A, Rao AD, and Rao DS. Osteomalacia as a result of vitamin D deficiency. Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America. June 2010; 39(2):321-331. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20511054.
  2. Marc K Drezner, MD, Peter J Snyder, MD, Charles J Menkes, MD, and Jean E Mulder, MD. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of osteomalacia. UpToDate; April 28, 2016; http://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-diagnosis-and-treatment-of-osteomalacia.