Paget's Disease Treatment Options

Affecting 1 out every 33 thousand people in the USA, the Paget's disease is listed among the rare diseases by the Office of Rare Diseases (ORD). However, rare or not, Paget's disease is a cause of pain and discomfort for quite a number of people. Mainly affecting the pelvis or spine, Paget's disease causes your bones to become deformed and weaker by disrupting the normal cycle of bone repair and renewal.

What's even worse is the fact that this disease often goes unnoticeable owing to its mild symptoms. In fact, majority of people with the Paget's disease were actually diagnosed with the disease during tests for other unrelated medical conditions. However, all thanks to the major advancements in technology, there are a number of Paget's disease treatments options available. 

Calcitonin

A drug capable of decreasing bone resorption, Calcitonin has been the most widely used form of treatment for Paget's disease ever since the mid 70's. Administered through a subcutaneous injection, Calcitonin helps to alleviate bone pain within a few weeks. However, this form of treatment has a short duration of action and is considered weak. Because of this Calcitonin is not recommended as the best treatment for Paget's disease but rather for pain relief among children and adults with Paget's disease.

Bisphosphonates

This particular treatment has proved to be the cornerstone of the Paget's disease therapy. In fact, only patients who can not tolerate this particular treatment are referred to Calcitonin therapy. Suppressing increased bone resorption, which is mainly the underlying cause of Paget's disease, Bisphosphonates are able to restore the normal renewal bone renewal and repair thus curing the Paget's Disease. Still, it is important to note that only a third of those who undergo Bisphosphonates therapy experience normalcy with the other 2 thirds experiencing a decrease in the disease's activities. Administered both orally and intravenously, Bisphosphonates are currently considered the best treatment option for Paget's disease.

Surgery

For those with advanced Paget's disease, surgery may be the best treatment option to reduce pain, help broken bones heal in better positions and replace hips or knees for those with severe cases of arthritis. For instance, Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the wedge of a bone to promote reshaping of the remaining bone. This particular form of surgical treatment is best suited for young patients.

Exercise

Essential for preventing weight loss, promoting joint mobility and preserving skeletal health, exercise has been found to be an effective treatment for Paget's disease. Because of this, those suffering from Paget's disease are advised to come up with an appropriate work out regimen which will not cause any undue stress to their bones while still providing the benefits of working out.

Diet

Even though there is no specific diet for treating Paget's disease, it is advisable for women aged 50 and above and men aged 70 and above to increase their daily intake of Vitamin D by at least 600 UI and incorporate 1200 grams of calcium in to their daily meals.

Painkillers

There are quite a number of approved painkillers in the market which can be prescribed and sold over the counter. These help to alleviate the bone pain associated with Paget's disease. However, just like any other medical treatment, there is need to first consult a physician before undertaking any medication.

Holistic Treatment for Paget's Disease

When using a holistic approach for treating Paget's disease, the disease is viewed as a series of blocks on the lower end of the digestive system and whenever there are energy blocks in the digestive system the body is forced to work harder so as to keep functioning; even if it means using up energy meant for other purposes such as bone cell reproduction. Therefore, to treat Paget's disease, there is need to remove the energy blocks in the digestive system, balance energy flow to the teeth, hair, nails, skin and nails and lastly, revive stable and free conversion of energy within the sacral region and the circulatory system. To achieve the above set goals, herbs such as fenugreek, pepper, chestnut, raisin, Durva grass and red pepper just to mention a few will be used. While the holistic approach might seem complicated consulting an expert might help you understand the processes better and even list a couple of advantages of enrolling for holistic therapy as a means of treating Paget's disease.