|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Myths & Facts
|
 |
 |
Myth: Paget's disease is the same as osteoporosis. |
| |
 |
Fact: Paget's disease is not the same as osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition of generalized loss of bone mass, often found in the elderly, which can lead to fractures. Although Paget's disease and osteoporosis can occur in the same patient, they are completely different disorders with different causes.
Back to top
|
| |
|
Myth: Paget's disease affects only women. |
| |
|
Fact: Slightly more men than women get Paget's disease.
Back to top
|
| |
|
Myth: I can't exercise with Paget's disease. |
| |
|
Fact: Exercise is very important in maintaining skeletal health, avoiding weight gain and maintaining mobility of the joints.
However, before beginning any exercise program, a Paget's disease patient should discuss the exercise program with his or her physician since undue stress on bones affected with Paget's disease should be avoided.
Back to top
|
| |
|
Myth: All Paget's disease sufferers also develop osteoarthritis. |
| |
|
Fact: Many people who have Paget's disease also develop osteoarthritis, however this is not the case for all Paget's disease sufferers.
There are several ways that Paget's disease may cause osteoarthritis:
 |
Paget's disease often alters the normal design of the bone under cartilage of the joint. |
|
Paget's disease may cause long bones (such as the bone of the thigh or leg) to bow and bend, placing abnormal stresses under the joint. |
|
Enlargement of the bones in the spine may cause the normal curvature of the back to change. |
|
The pelvis may become softened, causing the hips to develop osteoarthritis and pushing the pelvis inward. If this happens, the person may have difficulty standing. |
Back to top
|
| |
|
Myth: Paget's disease can spread to other bones. |
| |
|
Fact: Although Paget's disease may originate in more than one bone, it does not spread to other bones.
In general, symptoms progress slowly in affected bones and there is generally no spread to normal bones.
Back to top
|
| |
|
Myth: Paget's disease can “take over my life.” |
| |
|
Fact: Although many patients express this feeling, in reality, the outlook for patients with Paget's disease is generally good, particularly if treatment is given before major complications have occurred.
The course of Paget's disease varies greatly and may range from completely stable to rapid progression. In general, symptoms progress slowly in affected bones, and there is usually no spread to normal bones. Treatment can control Paget's disease and lessen symptoms but is not a cure. When untreated, Paget's disease can cause serious complications, depending on which bones are affected and how long the disease is present.
Back to top
|
| |
|
Myth: Paget's disease is contagious. |
| |
|
Fact: No, Paget's disease is not contagious.
Although the causes of Paget's disease are still not clearly defined, research suggests that Paget's disease may be caused by a “slow virus” infection of the bone, a condition that is present for many years before symptoms appear.
Back to top
|
| |
This content has been provided by the Paget Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to addressing Paget's disease of the bone and other disorders. The Paget Foundation is not affiliated with Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
|
| |
|
|
