Renal Bone Disease

Calcium and phosphorus are minerals found in many foods. Your body works best when these minerals are in balance. But if you have kidney disease, phosphorus may build up in your blood. While trying to get rid of phosphorus buildup in the blood, your body robs calcium from your bones. This causes a health problem called renal bone disease.

Over time, renal bone disease can increase your risk of bone fractures.

How Renal Bone Disease Can Affect the Body

If it is not controlled, your bones can become weaker over time. The spine, ribs, and bones in the hands and feet are often at greatest risk. If your bones weaken too much, walking or coughing can be all it takes to cause a fracture. Controlling the phosphorus level in your blood is the best way to protect your bones.

If Renal Bone Disease Progresses

The following problems may occur as the disease worsens:

• Itchy skin

• Bone and joint pain

• Brittle bones

• Fractures

• Muscle weakness

• Deposits of calcium phosphate appear in organs, such as the heart, lungs, eyes, skin, and gums