What is a common symptom of osteomalacia?

A common symptom of osteomalacia is pain and bone fractures due to the softening of the bones, which occurs because of inadequate mineralization. This condition arises from a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, leading to weak bones that are susceptible to pain and fractures. The discomfort is often localized to the bones affected by the condition, and fractures may occur with minimal trauma, highlighting the fragility of the bones in osteomalacia.

In distinguishing this symptom from the others, joint swelling is more indicative of osteoarthritis or inflammatory joint diseases, while high fever is not typically associated with osteomalacia but may suggest infection or some other systemic condition. Stiffness in joints can occur in many musculoskeletal issues but is not a defining symptom of osteomalacia, which more prominently features the skeletal pain and predisposition to fractures. Thus, the focus on pain and fractures accurately reflects the pathophysiological changes occurring in osteomalacia.