Bone & Calcium Disorders
Calcium is essential for strong bones, nerve function, and muscle contraction. The body tightly regulates calcium levels through a complex interaction between parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and the kidneys. When this balance is disrupted, a range of bone and calcium disorders can develop, affecting bone strength and overall health.
Common Bone & Calcium Disorders
- Hypercalcaemia – Elevated blood calcium, often due to hyperparathyroidism or malignancy
- Hypocalcaemia – Low blood calcium, often due to hypoparathyroidism or vitamin D deficiency
- Vitamin D Deficiency – Very common; leads to poor calcium absorption and bone softening
- Osteomalacia – Softening of bones in adults due to vitamin D deficiency
- Rickets – Bone deformities in children due to vitamin D deficiency
- Paget's Disease of Bone – Abnormal bone remodelling leading to enlarged and weakened bones
- Renal Osteodystrophy – Bone disease associated with chronic kidney disease
Symptoms
High calcium (Hypercalcaemia):
- Fatigue, depression, confusion
- Nausea, constipation, loss of appetite
- Increased thirst and urination
- Kidney stones
- Bone pain
Low calcium (Hypocalcaemia):
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Tingling in extremities and around the mouth
- Seizures in severe cases
- Brittle nails, dry skin, and hair loss
Diagnosis
- Serum calcium, phosphate, magnesium
- PTH and vitamin D levels
- 24-hour urine calcium
- Kidney and liver function tests
- Bone density scan (DEXA)
- Bone X-ray or skeletal survey when indicated
- Alkaline phosphatase and bone markers
Treatment
Calcium & Vitamin D Supplementation
First-line therapy for deficiency states; dose and formulation tailored to individual needs.
Treating Underlying Causes
Addressing hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease, or malignancy as the root cause of calcium dysregulation.
Medications
Bisphosphonates, denosumab, or calcitonin for Paget's disease or hypercalcaemia of malignancy; active vitamin D analogues for hypoparathyroidism.
Dietary & Lifestyle Guidance
Calcium-rich diet, safe sun exposure for vitamin D, and fall prevention strategies.
Why Choose Dr. Harsh Parekh?
Dr. Harsh Parekh has in-depth expertise in metabolic bone diseases and calcium disorders. His systematic approach to evaluation identifies the precise cause of the imbalance and guides treatment that protects bone health, prevents fractures, and resolves the underlying hormonal or metabolic abnormality.