What is Paget’s Disease?
Paget’s disease of the bone is a chronic bone disorder that causes bones to become enlarged and deformed. It is a disease that disrupts the replacement of old bone tissue with new bone tissue. The bone may become dense, but fragile, because of excessive breakdown and deformation of bone. Paget’s disease of bone most commonly occurs in the pelvis, skull, spine and legs. It is among the most common bone disorders after osteoporosis in adults older than age 50. Care of bones throughout one’s lifetime is thus paramount.
What causes Paget’s disease of the bone?
The exact cause of Paget disease of the bone is unknown. It may be due to a slow viral infection of bone. Genetics may also play a significant role. Risk factors include increasing age and a family history of the condition. Over time, affected bones may become fragile and misshapen.
What are the symptoms of Paget disease of the bone?
The most common symptoms of Paget’s disease of the bone include:
- Arthritis
- Bone deformity
- Pain in affected areas
- Risk for bone fractures
- Bone stiffness
- Swelling in the affected areas
Very rarely, Paget’s disease may progress to bone cancer. The symptoms of Paget’s disease of the bone may look like other bone disorders or medical problems. Always talk to a healthcare specialist for a diagnosis.