Difference Between Osteomalacia and Osteoporosis

Osteomalacia vs Osteoporosis

Our bones are said to be the framework of our body. It is the structure that forms our body. Without it, it’s like a building without a foundation or skeleton. We have 206 bones in the body. From the smallest bone to the largest one, all have distinct functions and characteristics. Our bones together with our muscles enable us to move. This is how God made us and so utmost care must be done to preserve our bodies.

Two bone illnesses that are common among the population are osteomalacia and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is probably more famous and well-known than osteomalacia. Let us tackle the differences.

Osteomalacia is said to be the demineralization of the bones. Thus the bones soften. There is demineralization because there is an inadequate amount of calcium and phosphorus being supplied. Calcium is the main component of the bones which makes them strong and grow.

Osteoporosis, on the other hand, is defined by the WHO as the reduction of the bone mineral density. The normal BMD is 2.5, and people with this disease have less than the standard BMD.
Osteomalacia is a term for adults who are having this deficiency in calcium and phosphorus while rickets is the term that applies to children. Thus it occurs in adults and in children. Osteoporosis, on the other hand, occurs mostly in women aged 65 years old and above. Women at this age are advised to have a screening regarding their BMD.

Osteomalacia has the following signs and symptoms: weakness of the muscles and fragile bones. The main cause of osteomalacia is a deficiency in Vitamin D. Vitamin D functions in the body by enhancing the absorption of calcium in the bones. Common sources of Vitamin D are foods rich in Vitamin D and sunlight. Osteomalacia can be treated by injections of Vitamin D for about a month or more.

Osteoporosis, on the other hand, manifests curving of the back of the women who have it. They also are at risk for fractures due to their weak bones. Exercise may prevent the development and may reverse the formation of osteoporosis. There are medications which can prevent the further mass decrease of the bones. It can be treated with an active and healthy lifestyle and by drinking calcium supplements and eating calcium-rich foods. The cause of osteoporosis can be due to drugs, inherited, endocrine disorders, alcohol drinking, and many other factors.

Summary:

1.Osteomalacia is the softening of the bones while osteoporosis is the decreasing of the mass of the bones.
2.Osteomalacia is caused by a deficiency in calcium and phosphorus due to inadequate
3.Vitamin D while osteoporosis has many causes.
4.Osteoporosis signs include stooping of the back and increased risk of fracture while in osteomalacia there is pain and weakening.

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