Paget’s Disease of Bone
Whenever you feel pain in your bones, you can bet that it’s not just a little muscle ache. You could be suffering from Paget’s disease of bone, a very serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. Here are a few things to consider if you think you have it:
Symptoms
During the early 1900s, Paget’s disease of bone was considered to be a mystery. It was thought that the cause was related to the inflammatory processes of the bones. However, studies showed that there was a genetic link to the disease.
Paget’s disease of bone symptoms includes bone pain and abnormal bone enlargement. In addition, the disease may cause deformities and fractures. It may also affect the pelvis, lower spine, skull, and hip.
The first step to diagnosing Paget’s disease of bone is to perform blood tests. These tests will check for elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase. A high level of alkaline phosphatase is a sign that the bone is being broken down. X-rays can also be used to identify Paget’s disease of bone. X-rays show areas of resorption and enlargement.
If X-rays are not enough to diagnose Paget’s disease of bone, doctors may use bone scans. A bone scan involves injecting a radioactive dye into a vein. On the scan images, the radioactive material lights up. It then collects in areas of bone renewal. The scan may show that the bones are too large or soft. It may also show that the bones are brittle and fracture easily.
Paget’s disease of bone can also be treated with medicines and surgery. In addition, patients may need to take supplements to prevent calcium deficiency. Some people may also need to exercise. A healthy diet can also help with Paget’s disease of bone. Calcium is found in dark leafy greens, cheese, and fatty fish. Taking a vitamin D supplement may also help.
Paget’s disease of bone is often found in older adults. Men are more likely to develop the disease than women. However, it can affect anyone. The symptoms are often not obvious, and may not occur until later in life. However, a quick diagnosis can help prevent symptoms from becoming more serious.
Symptoms of Paget’s disease of bone can include bone pain, numbness, and tingling. Patients may also experience fractures and arthritis. Patients can also have a pinched nerve in the spine.
If Paget’s disease of bone is discovered early, treatment may be simple. However, patients should consult their doctor regularly to monitor their condition.
Diagnosis
X-rays, bone scans, and blood tests are the most common ways to diagnose Paget’s disease. They often show abnormally large bones and deformities, but they can also be used to diagnose other diseases that affect the bone.
The first line of treatment is usually bisphosphonates, which act to decrease the rate at which disordered bone breaks down. Bisphosphonates may be given orally or intravenously. They also reduce the amount of blood that is lost during surgery. They can also be used to treat bone pain. They work by inhibiting the action of osteoclasts, which break down old bone.
Paget’s disease is a focal disorder of bone metabolism. It causes overgrowth of bone, and the bone may be abnormally large or brittle. It is a chronic condition, and it may affect other parts of the body as well.
It is rare in people younger than 50. However, it is more common in older people. It is estimated that about 2.3 percent of adults aged 80 and older have Paget’s disease. In general, the disease is not curable, but it can be treated with medications and surgery.
People who are at high risk of developing Paget’s disease should have a screening test for the condition every two years. This test measures alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme produced by bone. A raised level of alkaline phosphatase is often indicative of Paget’s disease.
Bones affected by Paget’s disease may be very deformed, and surgery may be needed. These procedures are similar to those used in normal bone procedures, and they are done under local anesthesia.
If Paget’s disease is diagnosed, it may be treated with a combination of medications, bone scans, and bone surgery. These procedures are designed to relieve symptoms and to help prevent future complications.
Bone scans are the most specific diagnostic tests for Paget’s disease. A special camera detects “hot spots” in the skeleton that indicate an increased rate of bone turnover. If these areas are found, a biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
There is no cure for Paget’s disease, but treatments can alleviate pain and can reduce the likelihood of fractures and deformities. It is also important to keep up with your calcium and vitamin D levels.
Treatment
Unlike rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, Paget’s disease of bone is a non-inflammatory chronic bone disorder that usually affects the spine and pelvis. It causes the bone to weaken and become larger than normal. It is caused by abnormal osteoclast cells. The cells break down the old bone, replacing it with new bone.
X-rays, bone scans, and blood tests are used to identify Paget’s disease. Depending on the size and extent of the bones affected, surgery may be required. Its goal is to restore the bone to its normal shape and to reduce the pressure on surrounding nerves.
Surgery may also be needed to correct deformities and other complications of Paget’s disease. If the bone is severely deformed, support devices may be required to keep it in shape. In addition, bone surgery may be necessary to correct fractures.
Other treatments for Paget’s disease include taking anti-inflammatory drugs, calcium, and vitamin D supplements, as well as physical therapy. These treatments can help reduce pain and the need for surgery.
Bone cancer is a rare complication of Paget’s disease. This cancer occurs in less than 1 percent of Paget’s disease patients. If the cancer is diagnosed early, it can be treated by removing the affected bone. In many cases, bone cancer can spread quickly to other parts of the body. This cancer is very dangerous.
If you or someone you know has Paget’s disease, you may want to get a blood test to see if you have an elevated alkaline phosphatase. If this test is high, it may be a sign that the disease is in your bones. If you have a family history of Paget’s disease, you should get a blood test every two or three years starting at age 40.
If you have Paget’s disease of bone, you may be prescribed a cane or walker to help you walk and move. You may also be advised to take ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain relievers.
Some medications to treat Paget’s disease of bone include bisphosphonates. These medications help slow down the breakdown of bone and reduce the pain. However, they have not been shown to prevent fractures.
Prevention
Getting Paget’s disease bone diagnosed and treated is important. This disease can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fractures, osteoarthritis, and bone deformities. However, the outlook for patients with this disease is good if treatment is started early.
The first line of treatment for Paget’s disease of bone is usually bisphosphonates. These drugs can reduce the pain associated with this disease. They also can help protect the weaker parts of the bone. However, you must also make sure that you are getting enough calcium. It is important that you keep your calcium levels up while you are taking bisphosphonates.
You may also be able to reduce your pain by using other supportive therapies. These therapies can help make everyday tasks easier. You may also try acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs can help alleviate some of the pain caused by Paget’s disease of bone.
There are a number of factors that may increase your risk of getting Paget’s disease bone. For example, you may have a family history of the disease. If you are at risk, you should have your family history evaluated. In addition, you should discuss your risk with your healthcare provider.
The symptoms of Paget’s disease of bone include fractures, osteoarthritis, bone deformities, and pinched nerves. This disease can also lead to cancer. It can also affect the heart. If you have these symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider right away.
You can help prevent Paget’s disease of bone by staying active and eating a healthy diet. You should also take vitamin D supplements. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that you take 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day. In addition, you should spend time in the sun. This will help the body produce more vitamin D. You should increase your intake of vitamin D if you are over the age of 70.
You can also be tested for Paget’s disease of bone by having an x-ray. This test uses a small amount of radioactive material to create images of your bone. This test can help your doctor determine the extent of the disease. You may also need to undergo a bone biopsy. The biopsy may be performed using a needle or through small incisions.
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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