Difference between osteomalacia and rickets

The difference between osteomalacia and rickets lies mainly in the affected population, causes and manifestations. Osteomalacia mainly occurs in adults, while rickets mainly occurs in children during their growth and development period. The core problems of both are related to calcium and phosphorus metabolism disorders and vitamin D deficiency, but the manifestations and treatment methods are different.

Osteomalacia is usually caused by vitamin D deficiency, chronic kidney disease or other causes of calcium-phosphorus metabolism disorders. The patient's bones soften, leading to bone pain, muscle weakness and bone deformation, and in severe cases, there may be a risk of fractures. Rickets is mostly caused by long-term deficiency of vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus in children during their growth period, and is manifested by skeletal deformities of the limbs (such as "O-shaped legs" or "X-shaped legs"), delayed closure of the fontanelle, and bead-like protrusions on the costal margins. Although the pathogenesis of the two is similar, adults suffer from osteomalacia due to reduced bone density and their bone development has been completed, while children with rickets are caused by abnormal calcification of the growing cartilage due to a lack of necessary nutrients.

For osteomalacia, treatment usually includes oral vitamin D supplements (such as vitamin D2 or D3, the daily dose is based on the vitamin D level in the blood), calcium supplements (such as calcium carbonate or calcium citrate, 500-1000 mg per day as needed) and adjustment of the primary disease (such as treatment of chronic kidney disease). The treatment of rickets usually emphasizes timely supplementation of vitamin D and calcium. Mild and moderate cases can be improved by oral cod liver oil, vitamin D drops or calcium-containing foods (such as milk, cheese, dark green vegetables). Severe cases can be injected with high-dose vitamin D preparations as appropriate. Children need to be regularly monitored for bone deformities and whether corrective treatment is taken.

To prevent osteomalacia and rickets, it is important to focus on vitamin D intake, which can be promoted by 10-15 minutes of sun exposure every day, or by eating appropriate foods rich in vitamin D (such as egg yolks, deep-sea fish, etc.). Maintain a reasonable ratio of calcium and phosphorus in your daily diet. For patients with chronic diseases or children, it is recommended to take appropriate dietary or drug interventions under the guidance of a doctor. Once symptoms such as bone deformation and unexplained bone pain occur, you should seek medical attention in time to prevent the condition from worsening and affecting your quality of life.