Paget disease of the bone and osteoporosis have some similarities. Both conditions can develop without causing symptoms and increase your risk of fractures.

Osteoporosis occurs when your bones lose mineral density and become brittle. Paget disease, sometimes also called Paget’s disease, occurs when your body builds new bone faster than it breaks down old bone in certain areas.

People with osteoporosis have weakened bones due to loss of bone mineral density. It’s particularly common in older adults, especially females.

Paget disease involves thickened and weaker-than-normal bone. Its cause isn’t clear, but genetics and environmental factors both probably play a role.

Let’s explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for both conditions.

Paget disease and osteoporosis often don’t cause symptoms.

Paget’s disease of the bone symptoms

Many people with Paget disease don’t have noticeable symptoms and receive a diagnosis incidentally when undergoing tests for another issue. When symptoms are present, bone pain is most common.

The most frequent places pain develops include your:

  • spine
  • pelvis
  • thigh bone
  • shin bone
  • skull

Some people have other symptoms, such as:

  • enlarged bones
  • warmth over affected bones
  • bow-shaped limbs
  • spine curvature
  • increased head size
  • hearing loss, in about 50% of people with skull involvement

Osteoporosis symptoms

People with osteoporosis are at an increased risk of a fracture, which can cause:

  • intense pain
  • swelling and bruising
  • deformed bones or joints
  • limited mobility

Osteoporosis is caused by a loss of bone mineral density. The cause of Paget disease of bone isn’t known.

Paget’s disease of the bone causes

Your body is constantly breaking down old bone tissue and building new tissue. People with Paget disease produce new bone tissue faster than they can replace the old tissue. Over time, this can lead to areas of bone that are larger but weaker than normal.

A combination of genetic and environmental factors likely play a role in its development. Researchers continue to examine how some viruses might contribute to the disease in people with risk factors.

Osteoporosis causes

Osteoporosis is caused by a loss of bone mineral density over time. Many factors can contribute to its development. It’s particularly common in postmenopausal females due to hormonal changes.

These are some of the risk factors for Paget disease of the bone and osteoporosis.

Paget’s disease of the bone risk factors

Risk factors for Paget disease of the bone include:

  • a family history, which occurs in about 15% to 30% of people
  • increasing age
  • male sex

People of Asian descent seem to have a lower risk of Paget disease than people of other ethnic groups.

Osteoporosis risk factors

Risk factors for osteoporosis include:

It’s a good idea to visit a doctor if you develop:

  • persistent bone or joint pain
  • deformities in any of your bones
  • nerve symptoms like numbness or tingling

The diagnostic process for most conditions usually starts with:

  • a review of your symptoms
  • a review of your personal and family medical history
  • a physical exam

Your doctor may order a test to measure your bone mineral density to help diagnose osteoporosis. The most common test is called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Additional tests you might receive to look for signs of Paget disease of bone include:

Here’s a look at the treatment for Paget disease and osteoporosis.

Paget’s disease of the bone treatment

Treatment for Paget disease of bone may include:

  • medications like bisphosphonates and calcitonin
  • a diet high in calcium and vitamin D
  • surgery for complications like:
    • fractures
    • arthritis
    • misshapen bones

Osteoporosis treatment

Treatment options for osteoporosis include:

  • eating a balanced diet with plenty of vitamin D and calcium
  • vitamin D or calcium supplements
  • quitting or avoiding smoking or secondhand smoke
  • reducing alcohol intake
  • exercising regularly
  • taking medications, such as:
    • bisphosphonates
    • calcitonin
    • estrogen agonists/antagonists
    • estrogen and hormone therapy

The cause of Paget disease of bone isn’t clear, and there isn’t a known way to prevent it.

You may be able to prevent osteoporosis by:

  • staying physically active by participating in weight-bearing exercises
  • drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all
  • quitting smoking or not starting if you don’t smoke
  • taking your medication as prescribed
  • eating a balanced diet high in calcium and vitamin D

What is the initial symptom of Paget’s disease?

Bone pain is often the first noticeable symptom of Paget disease.

Is Paget’s disease an autoimmune disease?

The underlying cause of Paget disease of bone isn’t known. It’s not considered an autoimmune condition.

Is Paget’s disease genetic or environmental?

Paget disease may occur due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

What can be mistaken for Paget’s disease?

Paget disease is often mistaken for arthritis and some other conditions that cause bone or joint pain.

What is the difference between Paget’s disease and osteomalacia?

Osteomalacia involves softening of the bones due to vitamin D deficiency, while Paget disease involves abnormal bone remodeling.

Osteoporosis is a loss of bone mineral density. Paget disease of the bone is a bone remodeling disorder that develops when your body builds new but abnormal bone faster than it breaks down old bone.

Both conditions are often silent and don’t cause symptoms. It’s important to contact a doctor if you develop potential warning signs like bone pain or deformity.