Paget’s disease of bone is a chronic and progressive condition that affects our bones. The condition is characterised by abnormal bone growth and remodelling that leads to weakened, deformed, and brittle bones. It is most common in individuals over the age of 50 and can occur in any bone in our body, although it is most commonly found in the pelvis, skull, and spine. Symptoms of the disease can include bone pain, joint pain, stiffness, swelling, increased head size, hearing loss, and fractures. The exact cause of Pagets disease is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include age, family history of the condition, history of bone fractures, and sedentary lifestyle. It is a common condition in the UK. After osteoporosis, Paget’s disease is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease. Over the age of 55, the disease is thought to affect 1% of the population in the UK. Other European nations like France, Spain, and Italy as well as people of European descent who have immigrated to other parts of the world like Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America, and Canada are also affected by the condition. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and improve the quality of life.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Paget’s disease of bone can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the bones affected. However, below are some common symptoms.
- Bone pain: Paget’s disease of bone can cause localised or widespread bone pain that may be mild or severe. The pain can worsen with movement or activity.
- Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling: The condition can cause pain and stiffness in the joints, especially in the hips and knees, and can lead to several leg bone problems.
- Bone deformities: In some cases, Paget’s disease can cause bone deformities, such as bowing of the legs or curvature of the spine.
- Enlarged skull: The disease can cause an increase in the size of the skull, which can lead to headaches, hearing loss, and vision problems.
- Hearing loss: Paget’s disease can cause damage to our bones in the ear, which can lead to hearing loss.
- Fractures: Weakened bones can lead to fractures, which may not heal properly in some cases.
- Tingling or numbness: The disease can cause tingling or numbness in the limbs due to nerve compression.
- Changes in bone shape and size: Paget’s disease can cause changes in the shape and size of the affected bones, which can lead to bone deformities and fractures.
- Bone cancer: In rare cases, Paget’s disease can lead to bone cancer, which can cause additional symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and unexplained fractures.
It is important to note that not all of us with Paget’s disease will experience all of these symptoms. Some of us may experience only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as early detection and treatment can prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Causes
The exact cause of Paget’s disease is not known. However, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The condition is caused by an overactivity of the cells that are responsible for the breakdown and remodelling of bones. This overactivity leads to the formation of new bone that is weak and prone to fractures.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing Paget’s disease. These include age, and family history of the condition. The disease is more common in individuals of European descent and is less common in African and Asian populations. Other factors that can increase the risk of Paget’s disease include a history of bone fractures, a sedentary lifestyle, and a diet low in calcium and vitamin D.
Complications
Untreated Paget’s disease can lead to several complications, including bone deformities, osteoarthritis, and hearing loss. The condition can also lead to nerve compression and spinal cord damage, which can cause paralysis.
Ways to avoid Paget’s disease
There are several ways to reduce the risk of developing Paget’s disease, these include:
Exercise
Exercising helps Paget’s disease of bone by promoting bone remodelling, improving bone density, and reducing the risk of fractures. It can also help alleviate pain and stiffness in the affected joints, improve muscle strength and balance, and enhance overall physical function and quality of life.
Calcium and Magnesium
Magnesium and calcium are essential minerals for our bone health and can help regulate bone remodelling, which is disrupted in Paget’s disease. Adequate intake of these minerals through diet or supplementation may help improve our bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. Our 100% natural supplement, consists of calcium and magnesium, extracted from purified seawater extract.
Avoid smoking and vaping
Smoking can increase the risk of bone loss and fractures, so it is important to avoid smoking at the same time, it is crucial to avoid vaping as well, as studies show that it appears to increase the risk for fracture of the hip, spine and wrist by upto 46%.
Regular check-ups
Regular check-ups with your doctor can help to detect Paget’s disease early and prevent complications.
Treatment of other condition
Treating other conditions that can affect bone health, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, can help to reduce the risk of Paget’s disease.
Supplements
In addition to the above suggestions, some people with Paget’s disease of bone may even try supplements to support bone health. Some ingredients that have been studied for their potential benefits in Paget’s disease of bone include:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. People with Paget’s disease of bone may have low vitamin D levels, which can worsen bone problems. Our bone health supplement, consists of Vitamin D in the form of Cholecalciferol.
Calcium and Magnesium
Paget’s disease of bone can cause calcium to accumulate in affected bones, leading to weakness and deformities. Taking supplements, with calcium and magnesium may help improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. Our natural supplement consists of calcium and magnesium in the form of purified seawater extract.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies suggest that curcumin may help improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone tissue. Our natural supplement is rich in turmeric extract with 95% curcuminoids.
In conclusion, Paget’s disease of bone is a chronic condition that affects the normal bone remodelling process, leading to bone pain, deformities, fractures, and other complications. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and avoiding smoking can also help reduce the risk of developing the disease.