Paget ’s Disease of Bone

We all know that as we age the way our body functions begins to slowly decline and we tend to take a little more time doing the things that are in our normal routines.  Our senses decline, our bones become more brittle, and we just can’t keep up with the younger generations like we once could.  Paget’s disease of bone can also play a role in your decline.  This condition disrupts your body’s normal bone recycling process, in which old bone tissue is gradually replaced with new bone tissue.  Over time, the bones that are affected may become more fragile and misshapen.  Paget’s disease of bone most commonly occurs in the pelvic area, skull, spine and legs.

Even after we are done growing to our full height, our bones do not stop growing.  Bone is living tissue too and it engages in a continual process of renewal, referred to medically as remodeling.  During this constant process, old bone is removed and replaced by new bone…but, Paget’s disease of bone disrupts this process.  Early on in this disease old bone starts breaking down faster than new bone can be built. With time, your body will respond by building new bone at a rate that is faster than normal which does not allow for the process to be carried out completely and correctly.  Therefore, the rapid remodeling will end up producing bone that is softer and weaker than normal bones, which can lead to bone pain, deformities and fractures. 

The risk of this condition increases with age of course; those over the age of 40 are the most vulnerable population to develop this disease.  Also, if other members of your family have this disorder…you will also be at a more increased risk.  Complications can be serious and may include broken bones, hearing loss and even pinched nerves in your spine…ouch!  The treatment of choice for Paget’s disease of bones generally lies solely in bisphosphonates…yes that’s a big word, but it is just a class of medications that are used to strengthen your bones that have been weakened by osteoporosis.  If your specific case of Paget’s disease of the bone were to become severe, surgery may also be an option for you to provide the relief you need. 

Symptoms of this condition vary from person to person, it may affect only one or two areas of your body, or it may be widespread.  Most people who have Paget’s disease of bone experience no symptoms.  However, when symptoms do occur the most common complaint is bone pain and the signs and symptoms you experience will depend on the part of your body that is affected as follows:

·         Pelvis.  Individuals will notice pain in their hips.

·         Skull.  An overgrowth of bone in the skull can result in hearing loss or headaches.

·         Spine.  Nerve roots may become compressed, which can result in pain, tingling and numbness in an arm or leg.

·         Leg.  As your bones weaken, they may bend causing you to come bowlegged.  Enlarged and misshapen bones in your legs can put increasing stress on the nearby joints, which may result in more wear and tear arthritis in your knees or hips.

You personally know your body the best and should seek out care from your provider if you feel any increase in pain in your bones and joints, notice any tingling or weakness, or if you observe bone deformities.  Once you present your signs and symptoms, your provider will formulate a treatment plan for you after performing both laboratory tests and imaging tests such as x-rays and bone scans in order to rule out and reveal the common bone changes that occur with Paget’s disease of bone so they are able to confidently diagnose you.

Once your diagnosis is definite, your treatment regimen is developed, and you resume your normal life in your home…Total Home Health would be grateful to be the ones by your side day in and day out.  Our health care professionals will be there for you during your course of Paget’s disease of bone.  We will work diligently and at your pace in order to ease your symptoms when they occur, manage your medications, and see that you are able to go about your daily routine as you wish.  Enroll today and we will be more than happy to welcome you to our family here at Total Home Health!