Overview

Paget's disease of bone interferes with your body's normal recycling process, in which new bone tissue gradually replaces old bone tissue. Over time, the disease can cause affected bones to become fragile and misshapen. Paget's disease of bone most commonly occurs in the pelvis, skull, spine and legs.

The risk of Paget's disease of bone increases with age. Your risk also increases if any family members have the disorder. Complications of Paget's disease of bone can include broken bones, hearing loss and pinched nerves in your spine.

Bisphosphonates — the medications also used to strengthen bones weakened by osteoporosis — are the mainstay of treatment. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms

Most people who have Paget's disease of bone have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, the most common complaint is bone pain.

Because this disease causes your body to generate new bone faster than normal, the rapid remodeling produces bone that's softer and weaker than normal bone, which can lead to bone pain, deformities and fractures.

The disease might affect only one or two areas of your body or might be widespread. Your signs and symptoms, if any, will depend on the affected part of your body.

• Pelvis. Paget's disease of bone in the pelvis can cause hip pain.
• Skull. An overgrowth of bone in the skull can cause hearing loss or headaches.
• Spine. If your spine is affected, nerve roots can become compressed. This can cause pain, tingling and numbness in an arm or leg.
• Leg. As the bones weaken, they may bend — causing you to become bowlegged. Enlarged and misshapen bones in your legs can put extra stress on nearby joints, which may cause osteoarthritis in your knee or hip.

When to see a doctor

Talk to your doctor if you have:

• Pain in your bones and joints
• Tingling and weakness
• Bone deformities

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

The cause of Paget's disease of bone is unknown. Scientists suspect a combination of environmental and genetic factors contribute to the disease. Several genes appear to be linked to getting the disease.

Some scientists believe Paget's disease of bone is related to a viral infection in your bone cells, but this theory is controversial.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

During the physical exam, your doctor will examine areas of your body that are causing you pain. He or she may also order X-rays and blood tests that can help confirm the diagnosis of Paget's disease of bone.

Imaging tests

Bone changes common to Paget's disease of bone can be revealed by:

• X-rays. The first indication of Paget's disease of bone is often abnormalities found on X-rays done for other reasons. X-ray images of your bones can show areas of bone reabsorption, enlargement of the bone and deformities that are characteristic of Paget's disease of bone, such as bowing of your long bones.
• Bone scan. In a bone scan, radioactive material is injected into your body. This material travels to the spots on your bones most affected by Paget's disease of bone, so they light up on the scan images.

Lab tests

People who have Paget's disease of bone usually have elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase in their blood, which can be revealed by a blood test.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Complications

In most cases, Paget's disease of bone progresses slowly. The disease can be managed effectively in nearly all people. Possible complications include:

• Fractures and deformities. Affected bones break more easily. Extra blood vessels in these deformed bones cause them to bleed more during repair surgeries. Leg bones can bow, which can affect your ability to walk.
• Osteoarthritis. Misshapen bones can increase the amount of stress on nearby joints, which can cause osteoarthritis.
• Heart failure. Extensive Paget's disease of bone may force your heart to work harder to pump blood to the affected areas of your body. In people with pre-existing heart disease, this increased workload can lead to heart failure.
• Bone cancer. Bone cancer occurs in less than 1 percent of people with Paget's disease of bone.

Lifestyle and home remedies

To reduce your risk of complications associated with Paget's disease of bone, try these tips:

• Prevent falls. Paget's disease of bone puts you at high risk of bone fractures. Ask your doctor for advice on preventing falls. He or she may recommend that you use a cane or a walker.

  Fall-proof your home. Remove slippery floor coverings, use nonskid mats in your bathtub or shower, tuck away cords, and install handrails on stairways and grab bars in your bathroom.

• Eat well. Be sure your diet includes adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D, which helps bones absorb calcium. This is especially important if you're taking a bisphosphonate. Review your diet with your doctor and ask if you should take vitamin and calcium supplements.
• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining joint mobility and bone strength. Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program to determine the right type, duration and intensity of exercise for you. Some activities may place too much stress on your affected bones.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Risk factors

Factors that can increase your risk of Paget's disease of bone include:

• Age. People older than 40 are most likely to develop Paget's disease of bone.
• Sex. Men are more commonly affected than are women.
• National origin. Paget's disease of bone is more common in England, Scotland, central Europe and Greece — as well as countries settled by European immigrants. It's uncommon in Scandinavia and Asia.
• Family history. If you have a close relative who has Paget's disease of bone, you're more likely to develop the condition.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com