Paget’s Disease of Bone: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
01 June, 2026
Most of us think our bones may get affected by common ailments like arthritis, osteoporosis or related conditions; in the worst cases- maybe cancers, with advancing age. But, there are plenty of other conditions that can require bone deformity treatment – like Paget’s Disease of the bone. This is a rare hormonal disorder, which is an abnormal bone remodeling disease. You will need long term orthopedic management of Paget’s disease from the best multispecialty hospital in Hyderabad.
Causes Of Paget’s Disease of the Bone
The bone may seem like a hard foundational part of the body, but it is very much alive- deep inside many of the large bones like in the ribs or the femur or thigh bone lies the bone marrow- which is where all the blood cells come from. The bone itself is a solid, white, mineral rich matrix that is secreted by specific types of cells called bone building cells or osteoblasts. Osteoclasts are the cells which help remodel or break down bone- and their activity is very necessary but normally highly regulated.
When this fine balance between bone being made and bone benign remodelled or broken down tips in favor of the latter, it can cause the bone to be poorly formed- old bone breaks down much faster, new bone that comes in is not as good- as it is weak and deformed. This can lead to brittle or misshapen bones that can be very painful.
No one knows the exact reason for why the osteoclasts gain an upper hand in this condition- doctors think it may be due to a mix of genetic factors and exposure to viral infections. More men are affected than women too.
Symptoms Of Paget’s Disease of the Bone
Most individuals walk into a hospital complaining of bone pain or other symptoms, thinking it is a common issue with aging. The symptoms change based on where the excess deformed bone forms-
- Your bones may seem much larger than usual or misshapen.
- You may fracture a bone with a minor fall.
- You may have severe joint pain or arthritis of the affected bones.
- If the bones of the skull are involved, then you may deal with loss of hearing or severe headaches.
- If it is at the hip, then the pelvis is going to be painful.
- The legs may become bowlegged or deformed and affect the knees and hips eventually.
- Nerve compression is a very common issue, if the spine gets affected.
If you notice any of these symptoms, please call a bone pain specialist at the best orthopaedic hospital in Hyderabad!
Diagnosis and Treatment of Paget’s Bone Disease
Doctors take a detailed medical history here they will ask you about your symptoms and their severity. They will next recommend blood tests to check for specific markers like ALP- having high alkaline phosphatase levels is a characteristic diagnostic marker of Paget’s Disease.
If total ALP levels are high, then doctors may ask you to get B-ALP or bone ALP done, to rule out liver related issues.
Getting a Paget’s disease diagnosis also involves the use of imaging- like X-rays, or bone scans which are mostly confirmatory in nature.
Paget’s disease of bone treatment involves the use of painkillers and bisphosphonate therapy for Paget’s disease- which aim to slow down the activity of osteoclasts- or the cells which break down and remodel bone. Physical therapy can be used to strengthen your muscles better. If you have a fracture, then doctors will work on fixing it with a cast or surgery. Nerve compression can be problematic- so surgery to relieve the pressure may also be done.
Conclusion
This is a chronic condition which has no permanent cure. So, you will need to eat a bone friendly, protein and mineral rich diet, get enough exercise every day to reduce inflammation and improve muscle health and rest intentionally. Brittle bones can increase your risk of falls, so make sure to walk carefully, use railings or any kind of support and remove anything which may be a danger- like wires, rugs, carpets, night lights, anti-skid tiles etc.
Call us at KIMS Sunshine Hospital to learn more about the long term orthopedic management of Paget’s disease.
