Paget’s disease, also called osteitis deformans, is a chronic bone disorder in which there is abnormal bone remodelling (the process of bone breakdown and rebuilding). With Paget’s disease, bone is broken down more quickly and is then replaced with softer, more porous bone. As a result, affected bones become thicker, weaker, and deformed. It usually affects the bones of the skull, pelvis, collarbone, spine, and legs.
Paget’s disease affects about 1% to 2% of people in North America over the age of 55, but the exact number is not known since many people don’t know they have the condition. It seems to affect more men than women. Although this disease is found around the world, it appears more commonly in Europe and Australia.
Although the exact cause of Paget’s disease is unknown, it appears to run in families. Up to 40% of people with the disease have other family members who also have it. Some researchers believe that a virus may be involved, but a specific virus has not been identified.
Whatever the cause, Paget’s disease results in abnormal bone remodelling (the process of bone breakdown and rebuilding). In Paget’s disease, when bone is broken down, it is replaced with bone that is less dense and more brittle, more prone to fracture or bowing, and enlarged.
Doctors may not recommend treatment until symptoms appear. When symptoms appear or are affecting a high-risk part of the body, or if blood tests reveal a high level of alkaline phosphatase, treatment may be started to slow disease progression and help prevent complications.
There is no cure for the disease, although various treatments relieve or control the symptoms. Medications known as bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate*, etidronate, and risedronate) may be recommended for people with Paget’s disease.
These medications are also used to treat osteoporosis, but for Paget’s disease, they are given in higher doses and more frequently than for osteoporosis.
Zoledronic acid and pamidronate are also used to treat Paget’s disease. These medications help rebuild normal bone and relieve pain. Another medication, calcitonin, may be used to slow bone loss and growth, and to relieve pain, when people cannot tolerate other medications.
Pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be used. It is very important that people with Paget’s disease take in adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Your doctor may suggest supplements if appropriate.
Some people with severe Paget’s disease may require surgery to repair bone deformities, joints, or broken bones, or to replace joints.
Exercise can help decrease joint stiffness. Some types of exercise are not recommended for people with Paget’s disease, so talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program. Alternating heat and cold for up to 20 minutes at a time can help with pain – heat helps relieve aching muscles, pain, and stiffness, and cold can help reduce inflammation and pain.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2026. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Pagets-Disease
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