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Warning-sign checks

Osteomalacia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for a seizure, severe muscle spasms, breathing difficulty, collapse, or sudden confusion.

    These symptoms have many possible causes and should not be assessed at home.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if you have already been diagnosed and your pain is getting worse, you develop new cramps or tingling, or treatment is causing nausea, unusual thirst, frequent urination, or constipation.

    These can sometimes be signs of abnormal calcium levels.

    Seek urgent medical care after a fall or injury if you have severe bone pain, visible deformity, or cannot use a limb normally.

    Sudden pain without a clear injury may also need urgent assessment because weakened bone can fracture during ordinary activity.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have persistent bone pain, unexplained muscle weakness, increasing difficulty climbing stairs, or a change in how you walk.

    These symptoms do not necessarily mean osteomalacia, but they deserve assessment.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Osteomalacia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.