Vitamin D Related Musculoskeletal System Findings

Abstract

Objective: The effect of vitamin D on bone metabolism has been well known for a long time. Recently, various hormonal and immunity related effects has have been obtained. Additionally, the deficiency of vitamin D is thought to be related with various pain syndromes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the main musculoskeletal symptoms of patients with vitamin D deficiency admitting to physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics.

Materials and Methods: The data were retrospectively investigated in patients with myalgia, arthralgia, regional pain, widespread body pain (WBP) and in whom vitamin D levels were measured. Patients over 50 years old and with known osteoporosis/osteomalacia diagnosis, endocrinological pathology, and inflammatory rheumatological disease were excluded.

Results: The data of 571 patients were investigated and totally 214 of them were included in the study. There were 178 females (83.2%), 36 males (16.8%). The mean age of the patients was 39.19 +/- 9.58 years. Of the patients, 100 (46.7%) were in severe deficiency, 68 (31.8%) were in deficiency, 46 (21.5%) were in insufficient group. The symptoms were regional pain in 65 (30.3%), WBP in 63 (29.4%), arthralgia in 49 (23%), and myalgia in 37 (17.3%) patients.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency may be encountered as musculoskeletal problems. In the presence of persistent joint-muscle pain, regional pain and fibromiyalgia, vitamin D deficiency should be kept in mind.