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Paget Disease of Bone

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Jun 2023
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Bones are constantly breaking down and rebuilding, a process known as remodeling. In this process, old bone tissue is gradually replaced by new bone tissue.

What is Paget disease of bone?

Paget disease of bone is a problem with the way your bone cells break down and rebuild (remodel) bone. Parts of some of your bones grow thicker but weaker than normal.

What causes Paget disease of bone?

Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and rebuilt. In Paget disease of bone, something goes wrong with how bone cells break down and rebuild bone. This leads to bone that grows bigger than normal but is weak.

Most of the time, doctors don’t know what causes this to happen. Paget disease can run in families.

What are the symptoms of Paget disease of bone?

Paget disease usually causes no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you may have:

How can doctors tell if I have Paget disease of bone?

How do doctors treat Paget disease of bone?

Doctors will treat your Paget disease of bone if you have pain or they think it may cause other problems, such as hearing loss, osteoarthritis, or a misshapen body part. Usually they will:

  • Have you take pain medicine (such as acetaminophen) to lessen pain

  • Have you take calcium and vitamin D to strengthen your bones

  • Encourage you to do daily activities that help build strong bones, such as standing and walking

  • If one leg becomes curved and shortened, have you wear a shoe insert

  • Sometimes, do surgery to relieve pinched nerves or replace a damaged joint

  • Take medicines called bisphosphonates, which affect the abnormal bone growth

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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