Osteomalacia overview

Overview

Osteomalacia is the softening of the bones caused by deactivated bone mineralization primarily due to inadequate levels of available phosphate and calcium, or because of resorption of calcium. Osteomalacia in children is known as rickets, and because of this, use of the term "osteomalacia" is often restricted to the milder, adult form of the disease. Signs and symptoms can include diffuse body pains, muscle weakness, and fragility of the bones.