- Main differences between rickets and osteoporosis
- The causing
- Who is affected?
- The symptoms
- The treatment
- References
The bone system is one of the most important components of the human organism, as it is the structure that in addition to shaping the body, allows it to execute its motor capacity.
In this sense, any condition that could negatively influence the proper functioning or composition of the bone structure could not only degenerate or deform people's bones, but could also put the ability to move on their own at risk.
Normal bone (top) and bone with osteoporosis (bottom)
Now, among some of the diseases that affect this system, rickets and osteoporosis stand out. Next, you will learn to differentiate one alteration from another, starting from some of its most significant discrepancies.
Main differences between rickets and osteoporosis
The causing
Both rickets and osteoporosis generally lead to weakening of the bones; However, this alteration of the bone system is due to different causes.
Although it is true that the lack of calcium is an outstanding characteristic within the clinical picture of rickets, it is also true that this particularity is not the cause of this disease.
On the contrary, the condition is due to the lack of Vitamin D, which functions as a catalyst for calcium metabolism, and can be obtained both from animal foods and from exposure to the Sun.
On the other hand, despite the fact that demineralization of the body is a natural part of the aging process, an excessive lack of calcium is one of the main causes of osteoporosis. However, it is not possible to determine that it is the only cause of the loss of bone structure.
Who is affected?
Generally, rickets is suffered by children under 4 years of age, whose bones are still growing. In addition to this, it is rare in tropical countries where good exposure to sunlight is enjoyed.
On the other hand, osteoporosis usually affects adults whose bones are already formed, generally elderly women who have consumed low amounts of calcium during their life.
Also to adults who reside or have lived for long periods of time in industrialized countries, where food often undergoes greater chemical processes in which they can lose the natural components of their minerals.
The symptoms
Rickets produces weakening and deformity in the bone structure, which can cause deformities that can lead to motor disability in those who suffer from it.
Likewise, poor muscle tone, a protruding abdomen, slow growth development and the development of arches in the legs are some of the most noticeable characteristics of this disease.
The symptoms of osteoporosis are less noticeable; However, bone weakening can generate fractures even due to the slightest trauma, so it can be taken as a warning sign for the possibility of suffering from this chronic disease.
Likewise, frequent muscle contractures and acute pain in the bones when carrying out any type of activity are inherent to this condition.
The treatment
For both rickets and osteoporosis, it is recommended to increase the consumption of vitamins (especially Vitamin D) and minerals (such as calcium).
To do this, it is important to consume foods that have these components, such as liver, fish and milk.
In the case of osteoporosis, it is recommended to take supplements in calcium capsules, while for rickets it is suggested to opt for syrups made from liver oil.
Likewise, in both cases it is suggested to sunbathe in moderation and perform simple daily exercises to strengthen the bones.
References
- American Accreditation HealthCare Commission. (sf). General information on osteoporosis. Recovered from medlineplus.gov
- American Accreditation HealthCare Commission. (sf). Rickets. Recovered from medlineplus.gov
- Kellogg Spain, SL (2012). Kellogg's Practical Handbook of Nutrition and Health. Madrid, Spain: Exlibris Ediciones SL Chapter 22 (Nutrition and osteoporosis). Recovered from kelloggs.es
- Michael C. Latham. (2002). Human nutrition in the development of the world. New York, USA: FAO Collection. Chapters 10 (Minerals), 18 (Rickets and osteomalacia) and 23 (Chronic diseases with nutritional implications). Recovered from fao.org
- Health Secretary. (2013). Diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Federal District, Mexico: CENETEC. Recovered from cenetec.salud.gob.m