Osteomalacia and Buttock Pain

Osteomalacia is a condition that frequently causes buttock pain and bone pain. It occurs when bones soften due to processes described below. This softening process makes them more likely bow or fracture.

When osteomalacia occurs in children, it's called rickets.

There are, obviously, some very large bones in the buttock area. When these bones are afflicted with osteomalacia, it results in buttock pain.

You get osteomalacia because you don't get enough of certain kinds of minerals your bones need for growth and strength. Calcium and phosphate lead this list. If there's not enough calcium and phosphate in the food you eat, or your body doesn't process these minerals correctly, osteomalacia may result.

You can also get osteomalacia if you don't get enough exposure to sunlight. Sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, which you need to absorb calcium. Many people who are afraid of getting melanoma cover themselves up or wear heavy sunscreen whenever they go out. This protects their skin, but can eventually put them at higher risk for osteomalacia.

You can also get vitamin D from your diet. Look for it on the labels of foods you buy, especially milk and cereals.

If you have certain diseases and disorders, you're more likely to get osteomalacia. These include celiac disease, and disorders of the kidneys and liver.

Surgery is another possible cause of osteomalacia. Stomach surgery, and surgery designed to remove or bypass part of your small intestines limit your ability to absorb vitamin D from the food you eat.

Certain kinds of drugs may also lead to osteomalacia, including drugs to treat seizures like phenytoin and phenobarbital.

Buttock pain that feels as if it's coming from deep inside the pelvis is typical in osteomalacia cases. Bone pain may also occur in other areas, especially the lower back and legs.

Along with buttock pain and bone pain, you may also experience a degree of muscle weakness.

Someone who used to walk normally, but seems to have a bit of a "waddle," may have osteomalacia.

As you can probably guess, the first step in treating osteomalacia involves providing a healthy supply of vitamin D and calcium. When osteomalacia is results from insufficient sunlight exposure, replenishing Vitamin D usually cures it. This can be done with vitamin D and calcium supplements. Vitamin D injections are also an option.

If blood levels of calcium or phosphorus are low, you could take supplements for those.

It's also important to treat any underlying problem that may be causing Vitamin D or calcium deficiencies. Two disorders that contribute to osteomalacia are kidney failure and primary biliary cirrhosis, which is a problem related to liver function.

Osteomalacia may seem similar to another bone disorder known as osteoarthritis, and both put you at higher risk for fractures. But the two diseases are different. Osteomalacia is caused by an abnormality in the bone-building process. Osteoporosis occurs when bone that has already been built becomes weakened.

Preventing osteomalacia is fairly simply and obvious. When possible, spend a few minutes in the sun. You don't need much. An average of 15 minutes or so a day should be sufficient, and should not put you at risk for overexposure (and the problems that accompany it).

You can also make sure the food in your diet includes vitamin D. Oily fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines are great. Egg yolks, cereal, bread, milk and yogurt are also good.

Supplements are also available if you prefer.