Paget’s disease is a condition that affects the bones and is caused by an imbalance in the body’s natural mechanisms for replacing old bone with new bone. It is characterized by accelerated and abnormal bone turnover, leading to weakened and deformed bones. The disease is named for Sir James Paget, the British surgeon who first described it in 1877.
The stages of Paget’s disease can be divided into three main stages: the asymptomatic stage, the active stage, and the inactive stage.
The asymptomatic stage is the earliest stage of Paget’s disease and is usually asymptomatic, meaning patients will not experience any symptoms. However, during this stage, the bone remodeling process is already underway, and bone scans or other imaging tests may reveal abnormal bone activity.
The active stage of Paget’s disease is characterized by symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and swelling in the affected area. During this stage, bones may become enlarged, weakened, and more prone to fractures. In addition, patients may experience joint stiffness, limited range of motion, and deformity.
The inactive stage is the final stage of Paget’s disease, and most patients will experience a decrease in symptoms. However, the bone remodeling process is still occurring, and bone scans may still show abnormal activity.
Paget’s disease is a chronic condition, and there is no cure. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and preventing complications. Common treatments include medications to reduce pain and inflammation, physical therapy to improve range of motion, and surgery to repair damaged bones.