Paget's disease is a disease of bone. In Paget's disease, bone is formed in a rapid fashion to replace old bone. However, it is formed at a faster rate than old bone needs to be replaced. Due to this, new bone is formed in a disorganized manner. In addition, the bone that is formed too quickly is weaker than old bone; this can result in fractures and bending of bones. As a result, people with Paget's disease of bone can have chronic pain in their involved bones. Paget's disease usually occurs in patients between the ages of 50 and 70. The disease may be passed down through family members.

Symptoms are not confined to the bones. Other symptoms can include:
* hearing loss,
* numbness in an extremity,
* headaches (due to pressure from the bones in the skull) ,
* abnormal gait, or
* abnormal looking extremities.

Paget's disease can be difficult to diagnose. Patients with the above symptoms should be evaluated for Paget's disease. This evaluation can include:
* history,
* physical examination,
* blood work, and
* X-rays, CT Scan, or MRI scan.

Paget's disease progresses slowly. Because of this, most patients do very well with the disease. Treatment is initially aimed at decreasing pain. If pain medicines do not work, stronger medications called calcitonins, may be used to try to reverse the disease process.

If you suspect you may have Paget's disease, contact your health care provider. They can perform a full evaluation.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go