As a medical professional, I understand the importance of recognizing and addressing health issues promptly and accurately. When it comes to rickets in adults, which is often referred to as osteomalacia, it is crucial to be aware of its symptoms and causes.

**Symptoms of Rickets in Adults (Osteomalacia)**


1. Bone Pain: One of the most common symptoms is persistent bone pain, which can be severe and affect various parts of the body, including the legs, arms, and back.


2. Muscle Weakness: Adults with rickets may experience muscle weakness, which can lead to difficulty in performing daily activities and a general feeling of fatigue.


3. Tingling or Numbness: Some individuals may feel tingling or numbness in their extremities due to nerve compression caused by bone deformities.


4. Bone Deformities: In severe cases, rickets can lead to bone deformities, such as bowing of the legs or curvature of the spine.


5. Increased Risk of Fractures: The bones become soft and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures, even from minor injuries.


6. Difficulty Walking: Due to bone pain and muscle weakness, walking can become increasingly difficult and may require the use of assistive devices.

7.
Growth Problems: In children, rickets can lead to stunted growth, but in adults, it can affect the overall health and quality of life.

8.
Teeth Problems: There can be issues with dental health, such as delayed tooth eruption or poorly developed tooth enamel.

9.
Psychological Impact: The chronic pain and physical limitations associated with rickets can lead to depression and anxiety.

10.
Other Symptoms: Depending on the severity and duration of the disease, there may be other symptoms such as muscle cramps, joint pain, and reduced appetite.

Causes of Rickets in Adults

The primary cause of rickets in adults, known as osteomalacia, is a deficiency in vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for the normal mineralization of bone. Vitamin D deficiency can occur due to:

- Inadequate Sun Exposure: The body naturally produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun. Limited sun exposure, especially in northern latitudes, can lead to deficiency.

- Poor Diet: A diet lacking in vitamin D-rich foods, such as fatty fish, fortified milk, and certain mushrooms, can contribute to the deficiency.

- Malabsorption Issues: Conditions that affect the absorption of nutrients, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or bariatric surgery, can lead to vitamin D deficiency.

- Kidney or Liver Disease: These organs play a crucial role in converting vitamin D into its active form. Diseases affecting these organs can result in rickets.

- Certain Medications: Some medications, such as anticonvulsants and steroids, can interfere with vitamin D metabolism.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing rickets in adults involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. These tests may include blood tests to measure levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, as well as imaging studies to assess bone density and structure.

Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause, which often means supplementing with vitamin D and ensuring adequate calcium intake. In some cases, hormone therapy may be necessary to help regulate calcium and phosphorus levels. Additionally, physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and function.

It's important for individuals experiencing symptoms of rickets to seek medical attention promptly, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve quality of life.

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When it occurs among children the disorder is called rickets and usually is due to a deficiency of vitamin D. Rickets was a common disease among youngsters in northern latitudes before milk was fortified with vitamin D. Other causes of osteomalacia include inadequate exposure to the sun's ultra violet rays (which allow ...Jun 22, 2005read more >>