Doctors use the following tests to diagnose Paget’s disease a:
- X-Ray.
- Blood test.
- Bone scan.
- Bone biopsy.
X-ray
Paget’s disease is almost always diagnosed using x rays. Your doctor will order an x-ray to see if your bones are different from other bones and affected by Paget’s disease.
Blood Test
Your doctor may order a blood test to check for the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. This test can indicate either Paget’s disease or another condition such as liver disease. If you blood contains high levels of the enzyme, it may be a sign of the disease.
Bone scan
A bone scan is a test that helps doctor’s identify which bones are affected by Paget’s disease. You may have the test to help your doctor understand the extent of the disease.
During a bone scan, a safe amount radioactive substance is injected into a vein in your arm. The substance circulates through the bloodstream and “high-lights” places in your skeleton where Paget’s disease may be present. collects in areas where there is increased blood flow and activity of bone-forming cells characteristic of Paget’s disease.
Bone biopsy
In rare cases, doctors remove a small sample of bone and examine it under a microscope. Your doctor may recommend a bone biopsy if x-rays do not confirm the presence or absence of the disease.
Doctors treat Paget’s disease with:
- Medicines
- Diet
- Exercise
- Surgery
The goal of your treatment is to
- Slow down or stop bone breakdown and formation.
- Lower the risk of complications.
- Ease bone and joint pain.
- Repair fractures.
- Correct bone deformity
- Replace joints damaged by the disease.
Prescription Medicines
The primary medicines your doctor may prescribe to treat the disease include:1
- Bisphosphonates are a type of medicine that are used to treat a variety of bone diseases. This type of medicine works by controlling the excessive bone breakdown and formation that occurs in Paget’s disease.
- Calcitonin is a hormone made by the thyroid gland and regulates blood levels of calcium and phosphate and promotes the formation of new bone. Although this medicine may not be as effective as bisphosphonates, calcitonin may be prescribed for certain people.
Diet
If you have Paget’s disease, you do not need a special diet. However, it is important that you keep your bones strong. Every day you should take:
- 1,200 mg of calcium.
- At least 400 IU of vitamin D every day.
After age 70, you should take 600 IU of vitamin D each day. If you have had kidney stones, talk with your doctor about how much calcium and vitamin D to take.
Exercise
Exercise is important because it helps you:
- Build strong bones and maintain your skeletal health.
- Prevents weight gain.
- Keeps joints mobile.
Before starting a new exercise plan, talk with your doctor to avoid stress on bones affected by Paget’s disease.
Surgery
Although medications can often regulate bone growth and minimize complications, surgery may be necessary to correct problems such as:
- Fractures. Surgery may allow fractures or broken bones to heal in a better position.
- Arthritis. A hip or knee replacement may be necessary if changes in the bones cause severe disability.
- Bone deformity. Cutting and realigning bone affected by Paget’s disease can reduce pain in a weight-bearing joint. During the procedure, a surgeon may perform a procedure called an osteotomy.
footnote
1All medicines can have side effects. Some medicines and side effects are mentioned in this publication. Some side effects may be more severe than others. You should review the package insert that comes with your medicine and ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about the possible side effects.
Paget’s disease can affect many parts of the body. You may need to see more than one type of doctor, including:
- Endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in hormonal and metabolic disorders.
- Rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in joint and muscle disorders.
- Orthopaedic surgeon, a doctor who specializes in bone injuries and disease.
- Neurologist, a doctor who specializes in treating the nervous system, including the brain, nerves, and the spine.
- Otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in ear, nose, and throat disorders.
If you have Paget’s disease, the outlook is usually good. When you follow your doctor’s treatment plan, you may lower the chance of major changes in your bones. Treatment can help you manage your symptoms but does not cure the disease.
Healthier Bones
It is never too early or too late to take care of your bones. The following steps can help you improve your bone health lower the chance of complications from Paget’s disease:
- Eat a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Good sources of calcium include:
- Low-fat dairy products.
- Foods and drinks with added calcium.
- Good sources of vitamin D include:
- Egg yolks.
- Saltwater fish.
- Liver.
- Milk with vitamin D.
Some people may need to take nutritional supplements in order to get enough calcium and vitamin D.
- Get plenty of physical activity. Like muscles, bones become stronger with exercise. The best exercises for healthy bones are strength-building and weight-bearing, such as:
- Walking.
- Climbing stairs.
- Lifting weights.
- Dancing.
Try to get 30 minutes of exercise each day.
- Live a healthy lifestyle. Don’t smoke, and, if you choose to drink alcohol, don’t drink too much.
- Maintain a healthy weight is particularly important if Paget’s has led to arthritis of the weight-bearing joints, such as the hip or knee. Excess weight can mean more stress—and pain—for affected joints.
- Prevent falls by:
- Checking your home for dangers like loose rugs and poor lighting.
- Installing grab bars and hand rails.
- Using nonskid mats in the bathroom and tub.
- Seeing your doctor regularly to have your vision checked.
- Increasing your balance and strength by exercising every day.
- Seek support. It is important to take care of your physical and mental health. Living with Paget’s disease can be stressful. You may find it helpful to speak to a:
- Social worker.
- Counselor.
- Mental health professional
- Other people with the disease
Your doctor can help you find counselors or a support group