Complications and risks of Paget's disease

Most people with Paget's disease of bone do well, especially when it is found and treated early. Complications depend on which bones are affected.

Bone and joint complications

• Fractures: the enlarged bone is weaker, and fractures can occur with little force, mostly in the thigh and shin
• Deformity: bowed legs, spinal curve, enlarged head
• Osteoarthritis: pain and stiffness in joints beside affected bone, especially hip and knee
• Persistent pain from the bone, joints or nerves

Nerve-related complications

• Hearing loss and tinnitus when the skull bone near the ear is affected
• Headache or dizziness with skull involvement
• Spinal stenosis or nerve compression: numbness, weakness or trouble walking
• Rarely, pressure on the brain stem or vision nerves

Other complications

• High calcium and kidney stones in people who are immobile or on high doses of supplements
• Heart strain very rarely, in extensive disease with large blood flow
• Osteosarcoma: a bone cancer that develops in less than 1 percent of people with long-standing disease. Warning signs are new severe pain, swelling or a lump in an affected bone.

Ayurvedic view

Traditional texts describe bone pain, deformity and weakness in terms of Asthi dhatu disturbance. This is an interpretive framework. Supportive care should not replace specialist monitoring.

Emergency signs

Sudden severe bone pain after a minor fall, inability to bear weight, new weakness or numbness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control.

See a doctor if pain changes, a bone swells, or hearing worsens.

Remember

Treatment can reduce complications. Regular follow-up lets problems be caught early.