Common Bone and Calcium Disorders
Specifically, calcium (a mineral) and vitamin D (a hormone) are both crucial components in the maintenance and development of the human skeletal structure.
Disruptions to them give rise to a spectrum of disorders. Here, we will explore several bone and calcium disorders:
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disorder defined by decreased bone density and mass, leading to increased bone fragility and risk of fractures. Osteoporosis is highly prevalent in Singapore; an estimated one in three Singaporean women over 50 have osteoporosis.
Factors such as ageing, hormonal changes, inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, along with a sedentary lifestyle, contribute to its development. Other than eating medications to increase bone density, prevention and management of osteoporosis also involve lifestyle modifications (like beginning to engage in weight-bearing exercises and a healthier diet).
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is a condition marked by the softening of bones due to vitamin D or phosphate deficiency.
Inadequate exposure to sunlight, malabsorption issues, and other medical conditions are known to contribute to the development of this disorder. While its symptoms may mirror osteoporosis, patients with osteomalacia often experience muscle weakness and bone pain that are usually absent in osteoporosis cases. Treatment can involve vitamin D supplementation and addressing the underlying cause.
Parathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism involve abnormalities in the parathyroid hormone (PTH), impacting calcium levels.
In hyperparathyroidism, excess PTH leads to elevated calcium levels, causing bone resorption and other complications.
Similarly, insufficient PTH (known as hypoparathyroidism) is detrimental too, as it results in low calcium levels. Hypoparathyroidism can result in muscle cramps and neurological symptoms. Treatment includes calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
Visit Harmony Thyroid, Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre
In conclusion, bone and calcium disorders demand multi-faceted prevention, early detection, and effective management measures (such as targeted treatments as well as lifestyle modifications).
If you are suffering from any symptoms of bone and calcium disorders, you can schedule an appointment with our Senior Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Vikram from Harmony Thyroid, Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre.
References:
- Tan HC, Seng JJB, Low LL. Osteoporosis awareness among patients in Singapore (OASIS)—a community hospital perspective. Archives of Osteoporosis. 2021;16(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-021-01012-6
- Zimmerman L, McKeon B. Osteomalacia. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551616/
