Rehabilitation for Paget's Disease | How Physiotherapy Helps

Paget's disease is a chronic condition where there is a shift in the normal process of bone marrow regeneration that impacts the healthy growth and replacement of bones. This shift results in abnormal growth of the bone, often causing it to be weak and brittle, and in some cases, causing deformity. People with Paget's disease are prone to fractures, weakness, and arthritis. 

This condition is often found in older people as with age, the complication to the health of the bones may increase. There are several ways to manage Paget's disease. Physiotherapy is an important recovery process as it offers several benefits to manage the condition. Read on to know more.

Causes of Paget's Disease

The exact cause of Paget's disease is not known, Some research points towards it being a result of a viral infection due to gene risk factors. Studies also show that it has a strong genetic factor and is often found in the European, British, and Australian populations.

Identifying the Common Signs and Symptoms of Paget's Disease

In most cases, someone with Paget's disease presents as asymptomatic. However, on close observation, they present several symptoms of Paget's disease. Since it affects the bone, one of the most common symptoms is chronic pain in the hips. 

An overgrowth of bone that impairs hearing is another symptom. Other symptoms include numbness in nerve functions, pain in the lower back and lower extremities, bent leg or weakness in the leg. In some cases, fractures due to minor impact or no cause can also be signifiers of Paget's disease.

Diagnostic Methods for Paget's Disease 

Paget’s disease can often be diagnosed by routine checkups. Blood work and X-rays are some of the common ways of confirming it.

Blood test

Blood tests such as serum alkaline phosphatase are often conducted to confirm the condition. In patients with Paget's disease, their alkaline phosphatase levels are often elevated. Urine tests that show rapid bone turnover can also be asked for, to confirm the diagnosis. Besides these, your doctors may perform other tests to rule out the possibility of any other disease. 

Bone Scan 

A bone scan can be used to identify the exact location or set of bones that are affected. A radioactive dye is passed in the veins and a camera helps understand where there is high uptake of the radioactive material. These are sights with higher bone turnover signifying the possibility of Paget's disease. 

X-rays 

X-rays are simple ways of confirming if someone has Paget's disease. X-rays can tell us if there is any deformity in the bone or a change in the density of the bone in a region. This can be cross-referenced with other tests to confirm the condition.

Biopsy (in certain cases)

In some cases, a sample of the bone may be extracted and examined under a microscope and other medical equipment. This can help understand the structure and composition of the bone and help diagnose the condition.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Paget's Disease Management 

Paget’s disease impacts your bones. This often means that you suffer from pain, stiffness, and general difficulty in managing day-to-day activities. Physiotherapy is an effective way to manage Paget’s disease as it offers relief from pain and can strengthen the bones and muscles.

Physiotherapy Techniques for Paget's Disease Management 

Here is a list of easy physiotherapy techniques that your physiotherapist may make you perform, based on your condition and treatment plan.

Strength Training 

Improving your overall strength helps you manage your condition better. The bones can get weak or brittle, making them prone to fractures or pain. Strengthening your muscles in and around the region through various exercises and massages can help reduce the intensity of fractures and can reduce pain. 

Muscular strength compliments bone strength as well. It is also important to engage in activities that strengthen your bones as well. 

Manual Therapy
Manual therapy such as massages, and physical exercises in movement with the assistance of a professional physiotherapist can help improve your bone health. Massages can be stimulating and help reduce inflammation and speed up healing in your muscles and bones. 

Soft tissue therapy, ultrasound therapy, and heat and cold massages can help reduce pain, inflammation and boost cell growth, all of which are crucial for healing and strengthening. It can also reduce pain and provide relief from stiff joints and swelling.

Joint Mobilization

Joint mobilization techniques help increase the movement in the joint and strengthen the joints. If there is any wear and tear and stiffness, gentle exercises that lead to joint mobilization can help reduce such wear and tear and strengthen bones. It also improves the range of motion in the joints.

Pain management techniques

Pain management techniques such as flexibility exercises, massages, and mind-body activities such as meditation, and breathing exercises can help in pain management. Such activities also help you navigate and locate the pain and manage it better. 

Range of Motion Exercises

Range of motion exercise helps restore mobility in joints and other parts of the body. These exercises are designed to help reduce stiffness in joints by engaging the muscles, tendons, and bones. This can have a positive impact on the bones and strengthen it. The improved range of motion will also help you manage your day-to-day activities with ease. 

Massage Therapy

Massages are another effective way of managing pain during Paget's disease. Oil massages and heat massages can help reduce inflammation by providing a soothing effect on the tendons and muscles. 

Bone injuries often impact muscles negatively and the soreness or injury to the muscles and tendons can be managed through massages. Gentle ultrasound therapy where a pulse of electricity is passed to the muscle helps nerves heal better. It also quickens the muscle's healing process.

Self-Management Techniques for Paget's Disease 

Stay Active 

Staying active is one of the best ways to manage  Paget’s Disease. Staying active allows the strengthening of muscles and joints. It also helps reduce the density of bone growth as your body is worked to stay active. It also reduces the possibility of pain and inflammation in your body and joints. Staying active also helps in improving mood.

Use Assistive Devices

Assistive devices such as crutches, walking sticks, braces, and belts for your joints. This helps in ensuring that the body is not stressed and in pain. In cases of weak bones, it can help reduce stress on the site of Paget's disease. It will also help in managing balance and weight, both crucial for the management of Paget's disease.

Enjoy a Healthy Well- Balanced Diet 

A healthy and well-balanced diet rich in calcium, protein, and other nutrients helps facilitate bone strengthening and ensures that the muscles are supplied with the right support for recovery and healing. A well-balanced diet can also help reduce deficiencies in you that may lead to fatigue, weakness, and other stressors.

Engage in a Peer Support Group

Pagets Disease can be difficult to manage alone. Engaging with a peer support group with people with the disease, or the caretakers of others with Paget's disease can help equip you with new techniques and management styles. 

More importantly, it will give you a safe space to voice out your concerns and have a group that understands you and your concerns. This goes a long way in impacting your mental health in a positive way. 

Complications

Paget’s disease can have some complications. Dizziness, difficulty in balancing yourself, loss of vision, and in some cases may result in pagetic sarcoma (cancer). It is best to consult a medical professional if you have been diagnosed with Paget's disease. If you are showing some of these signs, it is still better to consult a doctor.

Empowering Individuals with Paget's Disease | How Physiotattva Can Help

 Living with Paget's disease can be difficult for the person and their caretaker. Being a chronic condition, it is important to find the right kind of care at the earliest to avoid complications. At Physiotattva you can avail short-term and long-term care with the help of your dedicated team of experts. 

Physiotherapists and doctors work together to offer the best possible care for Paget's disease and ensure that you are on your feet in no time. Reach out today to learn more! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Paget's Disease?

The exact cause of Paget's Disease is not known. It is linked to a strong genetic factor in people of European descent. It is a chronic condition that disrupts healthy bone growth.

Is Paget's Disease curable?

Paget's disease is not curable. It is a chronic condition that can be managed with medication and physiotherapy. 

Can physiotherapy prevent complications in Paget's Disease? 

Physiotherapy can help manage the conditions of Paget's disease. It helps restore mobility, improve range of motion, and reduce inflammation and pain.