Paget's+Disease

__Paget’s disease__ [|Paget's Disease] is one that affects bone and the process of bone growth. Throughout a persons life bones are constantly breaking down and growing back but with this disease, the break down of bone occurs more rapidly than bone growth. This causes bones to be softer and weaker which allows bones to bend and become shorter. This disease can occur any where but is most common in the pelvis, skull, the hip and the bones of the legs. Pagets disease of pelvis[|Paget's Disease] affects an estimated 3 percent of people over the age of 40 although the exact number of people with the disease is unknown. Paget’s disease is more common in men than in women and is more prevalent in Europe and Australia.

__Warning Signs__ Warning signs for this ailment are almost impossible to notice because the disease comes on slowly. However there are a few warning signs for the disease like feeling warm, feeling tired, or pain in the bone. In extreme cases in which extreme measures must be taken the bone can bend or bow out. This can be seen in the x-ray shown below.

__Causes of Paget's disease:__ -The exact cause of Paget’s disease is not known. -Some people with Paget’s disease have other family members with it.

__What you can do about Paget's disease:__ -If your doctor thinks you have Paget’s disease, he or she may perform a physical examination and order tests such as x-rays or blood tests. -Your doctor may also refer you to a rheumatologist; who has received special training in the diagnosis and treatment of problems involving the joints, muscles and other parts of the body. -Treatment is done to reduce the rate of bone loss, lessen the pain and build up the bone. -Learn as much as you can about this disease. Speaking with your doctor or other specialists in arthritis care can give you information you need to know about this disease

__What is the outlook for Paget's disease:__ The outlook is generally good, particularly if treatment is given before major changes in the affected bones have occurred. Generally, symptoms progress slowly, and the disease does not spread to normal bones. Treatment can control Paget's disease and lessen symptoms, but there is still no cure.

__FAQ__ How do you get Paget’s disease? - Paget’s disease though not proven is believed to be hereditary.

How can I be checked for Paget’s ? -See a doctor to get a x-ray, [|Alkaline phosphatase test], or a bone scan.

What medications are approved for Paget's disease? -[|bisphosphonates] -[|calcitonin]

__How to treat Pagaets Disease__
 * Bisphosphonates are often used to treat Paget’s disease. These are a type of medicine that can help the body to produce normal bone.

1. A group of prescription drugs known as bisphosphonates have been shown to be helpful in rebuilding bone, and so are used to treat Paget’s disease and other bone diseases. They reverse bone loss by causing the body to produce normal bone. The bisphosphonates often prescribed are Didronel, Fosamax and Actonel.


 * Calcitonin is another type of medicine that can help slow bone loss and bone growth. It also can relieve pain. [[image:http://www.arthritis.ca/images/types/pagets/image.jpg width="256" height="301" align="right"]]

2. If you have severe pain and bone loss your doctor may prescribe a medication called calcitonin, which is given by injection. Calcitonin is a hormone that occurs naturally within the body. It helps increase bone density by affecting the levels of calcium in the blood. It reduces bone destruction and reduces the formation of new bone as well. It can also relieve pain. Often calcitonin from eel or salmon is used, as it is many times stronger than the human form.

3. For mild to moderate pain from Paget’s disease doctors often recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol, Exdol, etc.). Acetaminophen is a pain reliever, but has no anti-inflammatory properties, so it does not actually reduce the swelling and pressure that may be causing the pain. Because it is not an anti-inflammatory it can usually be safely taken along with most prescription medications. However, there are daily limits of acetaminophen that can be taken, so caution should be exercised, particularly if other medications that contain acetaminophen are being used. A serious overdose of acetaminophen can cause liver damage.
 * Doctors may suggest taking acetaminophen if you have pain from Paget’s disease. A common form of acetaminophen is Tylenol. It relieves pain but does not change the process of bone loss.