Paget’s disease is a condition that affects the bones. It’s an abnormal condition in which the normal process in which new bones replace the old bone tissues is impaired. This occurs as a result of the remodeling and deformity of the bones. This impairment of the bones makes them prone to fractures, deformity, pain, arthritis and so on. The main cause of this disease is not known yet. However, some factors have been identified to contribute significantly, to the development of the disease. Examples of these factors are genetic and acquired. Some of the bones that are prone to be affected by this disease include the bones of the pelvis, long bones such as the femur, tibia, the skull, lumbar vertebrae and so on. It’s important to know that this disease doesn’t affect the entire skeleton. This disease doesn’t have a cure yet. However, there are medications that can help improve the signs and symptoms. Some of these drugs include bisphosphonates and calcitonin. These drugs help to reduce the discomfort that is associated with the disease. They also help to reduce the risk of developing complications. Paget’s disease is more prominent in seniors, especially those above the age of 55 years. Stem cells are also useful in the treatment of this disease.
What Are the Early Signs and Symptoms of Paget’s Disease?
A large number of people affected with Paget’s disease do not present with any symptoms initially. Most people tend to manifest symptoms at the advanced stage of the disease. As earlier mentioned, the mechanism behind the disease is the rapid generation of new bones. Patients have a fast remodeling of their bones. This makes them develop bones that are soft and weak, which would consequently lead to the following signs and symptoms;
- Pelvis: The pelvic bones become soft and weak. This makes them prone to conditions such as a fracture. In addition, patients might experience some discomfort in their hip joint.
- Spine: The remodeling of the bones can also affect the vertebrae bones of the spine. This can lead to the compression of the spinal nerves. Some of the symptoms patients might experience include tingling sensations, numbness in the arms and legs, and so on.
- Skull: Paget’s disease can lead to auditory defects, such as hearing loss, and so on. Patients might also present with a headache.
- Leg: Paget’s disease causes the bones to become soft and weak. This might lead to conditions such as the abnormal curvature of the leg bones. Osteoarthritis might also occur. This happens when abnormally enlarged bones put stress on the joints that are near them.
When Is It Important To Consult A Physician?
You should consult a physician you present with the following symptoms;
- Discomfort in your bones: Discomfort in the bones and joints are one of the first symptoms patients would notice. This usually presents as pain the bones and joints.
- Strange sensations: People affected with Paget’s disease might present with some tingling sensations. In addition, they might also experience weakness in their extremities
- Deformities of the bones: This occurs due to the softness of the bones. Soft bones easily become deformed when a little pressure is exerted on them. This is why some Paget’s disease patients do have a bowlegged
What Are the Causes of Paget’s Disease?
The exact cause of Paget’s disease isn’t known. However, a combination of two factors has been identified to contribute to the development of the disease. These are genetics and environmental factors. Studies have also shown that viral infections could also be responsible for the development of Paget’s disease.
Tips On What Patients Can Do To Live With Paget’s Disease?
There are some things patient affected with Paget’s disease can do to improve their wellbeing, and also to prevent avoidable complications. Below are some of the tips;
- Food supplements: Patients affected with Paget’s disease need to consume an adequate amount of food that contains calcium, and vitamin D. However, another alternative is to consume supplements of both vitamin D and calcium. Taking the right dose of these supplements would prevent any complication of the disease.
- Frequent exercise: Getting regular exercise is one of the ways of strengthening the bones. However, this should be done under the guidance of a physician, as taking part in intense exercise they do more harm than good.
- Take it easy: People affected with Paget’s disease should not involve themselves in activities that would put a lot of stress on their bones. Putting a lot of stress on already soft and weak bones can lead to conditions such as fractures, bowing of the legs, and so on.
- Immobilizing and splinting when necessary: Persons affected with Paget’s disease should go to their physician for splinting if they notice that any of their bones have a high risk of breaking.
How Is Paget’s Disease Diagnosed?
Paget’s disease is not easy to diagnose, as it shares a lot of similarities with another disease such as arthritis, osteoporosis and so on. Physicians diagnose by evaluating the presenting symptoms of the patient. The family, personal and previous medical history of the patient would be recorded and examined. Patients that have a family history of Paget’s disease have a high risk of also developing the disease. In addition, the physicians also order for blood tests, and X-ray. The Magnetic resonance imaging test is also done. This would show more vivid images of the bone. Lastly, CT scan can also be done, a procedure in which several X-ray images of the bones are taken, and then digitally combined to make a better picture.
Treatment of Paget disease of the Bone
Physicians treat this disease by prescribing medications such as bisphosphonates, calcitonin and so on. These drugs help to maintain the calcium level of the patient. Patients are also advised to take calcium and vitamin D-containing supplements. They are also administered analgesics, to help them with the pain. In addition, patients are encouraged to participate in activities such as walking, swimming and so on. This is to strengthen their bones and muscles.
Stem Cell Therapy Of Paget’s Disease
Stem cells are capable of growing into other types of cells. In the treatment of Paget’s disease, the stem cells are extracted from the patient and then released back into the body, to help correct the abnormal remodeling rate.
References
Colman, A. (2008). Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Human Disease. Cell Stem Cell, 3(3), pp.236-237.
SHIMIZU, M. (2011). Origin of Paget’s cells in Paget’s disease. Skin Cancer, 26(1), pp.21-27.
Wagner, G. and Sachse, M. (2011). Extramammary Paget disease – clinical appearance, pathogenesis, management. JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 9(6), pp.448-454.
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