Treatment

Paget’s disease is treated with medicine and sometimes surgery. A good diet and exercise are also important.

Medicine

Two main types of medicines are approved to treat Paget’s disease.

• Bisphosphonates. These medicines help relieve pain and keep the disease from getting worse.
• Calcitonin. This is a hormone made by the thyroid gland. It may be used for certain patients but it does not work as well as bisphosphonates and is not used as often.

Surgery

Surgery is sometimes needed to treat broken bones, malformed bones, or severe arthritis.

• Broken bones. Surgery may be needed to set a broken bone.
• Malformed bones. Surgery to straighten bones may reduce the pain in joints such as the knee.
• Severe arthritis. People with severe arthritis are treated with medicine and physical therapy. If these do not work well, a hip or knee may need to be replaced.

Diet

People with Paget’s disease do not need a special diet. But, to maintain strong bones, you should get 1,200 mg of calcium and at least 400 IU of vitamin D every day. After age 70, you should take 600 IU of vitamin D each day. If you have had kidney stones, talk with your doctor about how much calcium and vitamin D to take.

Exercise

Exercise helps build strong bones, prevents weight gain, and keeps joints mobile. Before starting a new exercise plan, talk with your doctor.

Reference:

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, USA.