Paget's Disease

There are number of disorders of bones and joints which an individual can experience at any stage of his life. Such abnormalities are attributable to various factors. Paget’s disease is one of the abnormalities of the bone and joints. Unlike other diseases, associated with abnormalities of bones and joints, which are caused by loss of bone mass, fractures etc, the Paget’s disease is caused due to speed up of bone formation process. Such speed up of bone formation can lead to various health complications.

When the procedure of bone formation speeds up such a condition is termed as Paget’s disease. This speedy bone formation may lead to change in shape and strength of the bones. The disease has been named after Sir James Paget (a renowned surgeon of 19th century), England. Sir James Paget also discovered the Paget’s disease of breast.

Usually, Paget’s disease affects most people who are in the age group of 50 years and 70 years. Paget’s disease can affect almost all parts of the skeleton. Following are some of the most common sites that can be affected by the Paget’s disease.

Long bones of the legs
Lower pack bones
Tail bone
Skull
Pelvis

Causes responsible for development of Paget’s Disease

The exact causes responsible for occurrence of Paget’s disease have not been established yet. Researches are on to ascertain the exact causes behind occurrence of this medical condition. Some researchers associated the occurrence of this disease with viral infection of the bone cells. According to them, prolonged presence of such viral infected bone cells can lead appearance of symptoms of this condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Paget’s Disease

There are no known symptoms, at least at onset of the disease. However, in the advanced stage the disease may produce symptoms such as pain in the area affected by Paget’s disease. Pain in considered as the most common symptom. Further, signs and symptoms depend on the area affected by the Paget’s disease. Following illustration will provide you brief information about the common symptoms, one may experience, according to place of development of the disease.

Bones : Pain and aching in bones is the most common symptom when Paget’s disease affects bones.
Joints : When the disease affects joints, Swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints are the common symptoms.
Nerves : When Paget’s disease affects nerves, symptoms like pain, tingling, weakness, numbness, double vision and hearing loss may appear.

Apart from the above area specific symptoms, you may experience one or some of the following symptoms.

Feeling of skin warmth at affected area
Neurological disorders like headache or hearing loss
Fractures
Deformities of bones

Treatment of Paget’s Disease

The main aim of treatment is to slow down the process of bone formation. Following are some of the common treatment options.

Regular physical exercises
Loosing weight
Medications such as calcitonin, plicamycin, bisphosphonates and certain NSAI drugs.
In some cases surgery may be performed.