What Is Paget’s Disease of Bone?

Paget’s disease of bone is a chronic bone disorder that disrupts normal bone growth and repair. The affected bones grow too fast, which results in weakened or deformed areas. Doctors don’t know what causes Paget’s disease of bone exactly. However, researchers believe it may involve genetic and environmental factors. While it is not cancerous, untreated Paget’s disease may lead to serious complications. Let’s get into the details of Paget’s disease treatments.

Paget’s Disease of Bone Symptoms

Before you know the Paget’s disease treatment, you need to know the symptoms. It often develops slowly, so some people may not notice any symptoms. Symptoms usually include:

• Bone pain in the affected areas, especially the pelvis, spine, or legs.
• Bone deformity, thickness, bend, or curve.
• Joint stiffness and pain like Arthritis which may develop near the affected bones and cause pain in nearby joints.

Paget’s disease most commonly affects certain bones. What four bones are often affected by Paget’s disease? The pelvis, skull, spine, and legs are the most common areas it affects.

Paget’s Disease of Bone Treatment

Paget’s disease disrupts normal bone growth and leads to pain and deformity. Medical treatment for Paget’s disease includes medications to reduce symptoms and slow down abnormal bone growth or other foot problems in Phoenix. The most common Paget’s disease treatment involves the following available options:

Bisphosphonate Medications

As antiresorptive drugs, bisphosphonates are the primary treatment for Paget’s disease. These drugs can slow bone turnover and ease symptoms. Alendronate, Risedronate, and Zoledronic Acid block osteoclasts and preserve or increase bone density. Alendronate is taken daily or weekly. Risedronate offers daily to monthly dosing, while Zoledronic Acid provides a yearly IV infusion option. Side effects may include digestive issues, joint pain, or jaw problems; consult your doctor about potential risks.

Calcitonin Therapy

Calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate bone formation and calcium levels, is another treatment for Paget’s disease of bone. It is typically given as a daily injection under the skin, though a nasal spray form is available in some cases for easier use. Possible side effects may include mild irritation at the injection site or nausea.

Pain Relief

Managing pain is essential in Paget’s disease treatment. For mild to moderate bone pain, acetaminophen is often effective for your foot pain in Scottsdale. NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, help reduce both pain and inflammation. For severe pain, doctors may prescribe stronger pain relievers for short-term use to provide additional relief.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a key role in managing Paget’s disease by strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and reducing stress on joints. Range-of-motion exercises help maintain flexibility, while strength-building exercises provide support to affected areas. Low-impact activities like walking or swimming also promote mobility without adding strain to the bones and joints.

Surgery

In severe cases, Paget’s disease treatment involves surgery to address foot bone deformities in Chandler, fractures, or significant joint damage. Fracture repair stabilizes broken bones, while joint replacement may be required for advanced joint deterioration. In some cases, realignment surgery corrects deformities, restores better function, and reduces pain.

Lifestyle and Nutritional Support

Healthy habits and a balanced diet are important in supporting Paget’s disease treatment. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health, and a diet rich in calcium, such as dairy and leafy greens, can strengthen foot bones in Mesa. Engaging in safe, low-impact activities while avoiding high-impact ones can also help reduce the risk of fractures.

What Is the Best Treatment for Paget’s Disease?

The best treatment for Paget’s disease is typically bisphosphonates, as they effectively slow abnormal bone turnover and relieve symptoms. However, if patients cannot tolerate bisphosphonates, doctors may prescribe calcitonin injections. Regular bone scans and check-ups help monitor progress and adjust treatments as needed.

Alternative Treatments for Paget’s Disease

Some patients find additional foot pain relief in Gilbert through alternative Paget’s disease treatments, which complement medical care. Let’s look at the possible alternative therapies:

• Acupuncture uses fine needles at targeted points to promote healing.
• Gentle Massage eases muscle tension and discomfort and boosts relaxation and blood flow.
• Alternating heat and cold packs offer temporary pain relief, reduce swelling, and relax muscles.
• Turmeric and ginger may reduce inflammation; consult a doctor to avoid medication interactions.
• Tai Chi, Yoga, and stretching improve flexibility and balance and reduce joint stress.
• A diet rich in Calcium and vitamin D supports bone health. Reducing processed foods may lower inflammation.
• Meditation and breathing exercises manage stress and lessen pain perception.

How Is Paget’s Disease of Bone Diagnosed?

Doctors often discover Paget’s disease through routine imaging tests or exams. Key diagnostic steps for Paget’s disease treatment include:

• X-rays which can reveal thickened or deformed bones.
• Bone scans that help locate all affected areas in the body.
• Blood Tests which monitor levels of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme that can indicate Paget’s disease.

What does Paget’s Disease of the bone look like? X-rays often reveal bones that appear larger, thicker, and irregular, with a distinctive mosaic-like pattern.

Where Is Paget’s Disease most common? It mostly affects the:

• Pelvis, causing hip and lower back pain
• The skull, leading to headaches or hearing issues
• The spine, resulting in back pain and nerve symptoms like leg tingling
• Long bones, especially the femur and tibia, cause deformities, bowing, and pain, particularly when walking.

How Painful Is Paget’s Disease?

The pain level in Paget’s disease can vary based on the areas affected and the disease’s progression:

• Little to no pain (1-3 from 1 to 10) in the early stages or if only a small area is affected.
• Persistent pain (4-6) in affected bones and joints, which may worsen with activity or at night.
• Intense and constant pain (7-10) in advanced cases which can affect daily activities and reduce quality of life.

What Can Be Mistaken for Paget’s Disease?

Paget’s disease symptoms can resemble several other conditions, including:

• Osteoporosis as both involve weakened bones but differ in cause.
• Osteoarthritis, when joint pain and stiffness, can mimic Paget’s symptoms.
• Bone cancer and Advanced Paget’s may appear similar due to bone pain and deformities.
• Fibrous Dysplasia as it causes abnormal bone growth, like Paget’s disease.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis may overlap with Paget’s effects for its joint inflammation and pain.

What Is the Most Common Complication Seen in Paget’s Disease?

The most common complication of Paget’s disease is arthritis, especially when the disease affects bones near major joints and causes joint pain and stiffness. Other complications include fractures, nerve compression, which may cause pain or numbness, and heart strain, which can increase cardiac demand in severe cases.

Get Expert Help for Paget’s Disease Treatment in Arizona

If you or a loved one struggles with symptoms of Paget’s disease, our team of skilled foot specialists can help. We offer personalized care plans designed to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Contact Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers and schedule your appointment.

Conclusion

Paget’s disease treatment is possible through early detection and proper treatment. Medications, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring play a crucial role in managing symptoms and preventing complications. If you experience any bone pain or other signs of Paget’s disease, consult a specialist right away to protect your bone health.

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