Paget’s Disease of Bone, also known as osteitis deformans, is a painful disease of bone remodeling.  Normally in the body, bone is broken down and built up again on a regular basis.  With this disease, bone is broken down more quickly and the new bone that replaces it is more brittle and breaks easily.  Paget’s disease of the bone usually occurs in people over age 50.  It is more common if you have a family member with the disease.  The main symptom is bone pain.  There can be fractures as well.  There can be headaches, facial droop, loose teeth and nerve damage to the spinal nerves.   There is also an increased incidence of gout and kidney stones in this population.   The diagnosis of Paget’s disease of the bone can be made with X-rays and bone scans.  Blood work is done to look for elevation of an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase.  Paget’s disease may not need to be treated depending on its severity.  If treatment is required, medications called biphosphonates are used as well as calcitonin. Rarely, steroids may be used in treatment.  The pain of Paget’s disease is treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.  Weight bearing home exercises can be useful to maintain bone health.  Taking healthy doses of vitamin D and calcium is also recommended.