Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Metabolic Bone and Joint Disorders
Number of Conditions: 2
Paget’s Disease
Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology
Category: Rheumatologic Conditions
Sub-category: Metabolic Bone and Joint Disorders
Symptoms:
bone pain; joint pain and stiffness; deformities in the affected bones (e.g., bowing of the legs, enlarged skull); hearing loss (if the skull is affected)
Root Cause:
Abnormal bone remodeling, where the normal bone resorption process is accelerated, followed by disorganized new bone formation. This leads to weakened bones and structural deformities.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests showing elevated alkaline phosphatase levels. X-rays or bone scans to detect changes in bone structure. Biopsy in rare cases for confirmation.
Treatment:
Bisphosphonates (oral or intravenous) to inhibit bone resorption. Pain relievers (e.g., NSAIDs) for bone pain. Surgery may be necessary for severe deformities or fractures.
Medications:
Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate , zoledronic acid) - Reduce bone turnover and help prevent bone pain and fractures. Calcitonin - May be used as a second-line therapy to inhibit bone resorption. NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen , naproxen ) - To manage bone pain and inflammation.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1-3% of people over the age of 55, with a higher prevalence in individuals of European descent.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (more common in older adults), family history, being of European descent.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Can be controlled with medication, but symptoms may recur over time. Long-term monitoring is essential for managing complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Fractures, arthritis in the affected joints, nerve compression, hearing loss, and in rare cases, osteosarcoma (bone cancer).
Osteomalacia (adults) / Rickets (children)
Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology
Category: Rheumatologic Conditions
Sub-category: Metabolic Bone and Joint Disorders
Symptoms:
bone pain and tenderness; muscle weakness; fractures; deformities (e.g., bowed legs in children with rickets)
Root Cause:
Defective mineralization of bone due to a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, leading to soft, weak bones.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (low calcium, low phosphate, elevated alkaline phosphatase). X-rays to detect bone deformities or signs of bone softening. Bone biopsy in rare cases for confirmation.
Treatment:
Vitamin D and calcium supplementation. Treatment of underlying causes (e.g., phosphate supplements if a deficiency is found). Weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones and prevent deformities.
Medications:
Vitamin D (e.g., cholecalciferol , ergocalciferol ) - Helps in calcium absorption and bone mineralization. Calcium supplements - To restore normal calcium levels. Phosphate supplements - In cases of phosphate deficiency.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Osteomalacia is rare in developed countries but more common in areas with limited sunlight or poor nutrition. Rickets is seen more frequently in children with poor dietary intake or limited sunlight exposure.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Insufficient sunlight exposure, poor diet (especially lack of vitamin D, calcium), certain medical conditions (e.g., kidney disease), and age (elderly people are at higher risk due to decreased ability to synthesize vitamin D).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Reversible with appropriate supplementation, though bone deformities may persist if not treated early in children.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Bone fractures, deformities (especially in children), muscle weakness, and in severe cases, permanent skeletal changes.