Paget's disease of bone

Overview

Paget's disease speeds up bone breakdown and rebuilding, making bones larger but weaker.

It often affects the pelvis, spine, skull, and legs.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Bone pain
• Bone pain that's constant or worse at night, or a lump on a bone or deep in a muscle

Less common

• Bowed legs

When to get medical care

Causes

Unknown.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older adults
• Adults over 50: Most common
• People with family members who have it: Higher risk

Possible complications

• Broken bones: Weak bones break more easily
• Hearing loss: If the skull is affected

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• X-ray:
• Alkaline phosphatase:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Stay active
• Get calcium and vitamin D

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).
• A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults over 55: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Medicines control it well.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Paget's disease of bone