Left untreated, osteomalacia softens bones and makes them so flexible that they grow deformed. The bones may be bent, flattened, or otherwise misshapen by the disease. This can lead to pain as well as various physical deformities, ranging from shortened stature to the bent legs known as bow legs. Bones also break more easily. This condition, which usually occurs in children, is called rickets .
Calcium is important for nerve and muscle function and is stored in the bones .
But without vitamin D the body cannot utilize the calcium in food. The body compensates for the resulting calcium shortage by taking it from the bones. If this situation continues for an extended period, the bones soften. Any intestinal disorder that blocks absorption of minerals can lead to osteomalacia. A kidney problem that raises the acid level of bodily fluids also causes the symptom - the acids eat away the calcium in the bones , softening them.