About this topic
Pagets disease causes your bones to grow larger and weaker than normal. These bones may not grow in a normal shape. They are weaker and they can break more easily. This health problem may affect one or more bones in your body. The most common bones affected are the pelvis, skull, spine, arm, and leg bones. ‚
What are the causes?
The cause of this is not known. Suspected causes include: ‚
- Gene abnormality
- Infection caused by tiny germs (virus)
What can make this more likely to happen?
This health problem tends to run in families. It is more common in: ‚
- Older people
- Men ¢ ˆ ’ Men are about twice as likely to have this health problem as women.
- People of European descent
What are the main signs?
Most patients have no signs. The signs depend on what bones are affected. ‚
- Bone pain
- Bowing of the legs or other abnormalities in the shape of the affected bones
- Broken bone
- Pain or swelling of joints
- Enlarged head
- Headache
- Loss of hearing
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and will do an exam. The doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Not all patients with this health problem need treatment. Your doctor may send you to a physical therapist who will teach you exercises to help you get back your strength and motion. ‚
Surgery may be an option in some cases. Your doctor will tell you if you need to have surgery. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
This health problem may lead to swelling of the joints (arthritis). If the bones in your head are involved, you may lose some hearing. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Help with bone healing
- Build strong bones
- Prevent infection
- Give supplements, like calcium
If your doctor injected drugs in the affected part of your bone, keep your puncture site clean and dry for the first 24 hours. You may feel the effects of the drugs after 7 to 10 days. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Broken or deformed bones
- Hearing problems
- Problems with balance and walking
- Bone cancer
- Bone swelling and irritation. This is called osteoarthritis.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Pagets disease cannot be prevented, but you may keep it from getting worse by: ‚
- Taking your drugs as ordered by your doctor
- Staying at a healthy weight
- Working out often
- Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00076 ‚
American College of Rheumatology ‚
http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/pagetsdisease.asp ‚
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases ‚
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Pagets/overview.asp#m ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/11/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pagets-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚