Elder Care in Costa Mesa CA
With aging, it is natural for all adults to lose bone density, especially women. For this reason, osteoporosis, or excessive bone loss, is the most common bone disease among elderly adults. Since 
osteoporosis is so common, it gets a lot of attention and awareness, so much so that the second most common bone disease, Paget’s disease of the bone, doesn’t get much at all. The truth is, however, elderly adults and their caregivers should be aware of this common bone disease, as the risk for developing it grows with age. Read on for some useful information about Paget’s disease of the bone and what elderly adults and their caregivers can do about it.
What causes Paget’s disease of the bone?
The causes of Paget’s disease of the bone are not fully understood, but there could be a genetic link. Paget’s disease of the bone seems to run in families, so people with parents and/or siblings that have it seem to be at a higher risk for it. There also may be a connection between Paget’s disease of the bone and certain viruses, but this connection is not fully understood.
What are the symptoms of Paget’s disease of the bone?
Paget’s disease causes abnormal bone growth that can be present in just one bone or many in the body. In bones affected by the disease, bone tissue gets broken down and then absorbed at a faster rate than normal resulting in the body rebuilding bones that are not as strong as they should be. This causes the affected bones to be brittle and more prone to breaking, therefore people with Paget’s disease of the bone are at a higher risk for broken bones and fractures. Paget’s disease of the bone can cause bone pain which can easily be mistaken for other things (like arthritis) in elderly adults. It can also cause bone deformities. Depending on which bones in the body are affected, it can cause headaches, backache, and/or leg pain.
How is Paget’s disease of the bone treated?
Doctors can test for Paget’s disease of the bone by using X-rays, blood tests, bone scans, urine tests, and/or MRIs and CT scans. Though not every person who gets diagnosed with Paget’s disease of the bone will need treatment, most people who have it will need to visit their doctor for regular check-ups to make sure that the disease is not causing other health problems. Sometimes medication is used to prevent complications and to relieve pain. Doctors may also recommend physical therapy to help prevent falls that can lead to fractures and broken bones.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Costa Mesa, CA or the surrounding Orange County areas, please call us at 949-535-2211. We provide senior care services in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Woods, Laguna Beach, Mission Viejo and surrounding areas of Orange County California. Contact us today to learn more.
Source: https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/tc/pagets-disease-of-bone-topic-overview
