Paget’s Disease of Bone in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Paget’s disease of bone is a chronic condition that causes abnormal enlargement and weakening of bones. Any part of the skeleton can be affected, but the most common sites include:

  • Skull
  • Spine
  • Pelvis
  • Thigh bone (femur)
  • Shin bone (tibia)
  • Upper arm bone (humerus)

Paget’s disease of bone most often affects adults over age 50 and is seen slightly more often in men than women. In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, this condition is typically managed by primary care providers and specialists at major health systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

How Bone Normally Grows and Renews Itself

Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and rebuilt. This process is called bone remodeling and involves two main types of cells:

  • Osteoclasts – break down and remove old bone
  • Osteoblasts – build new bone to replace what is removed

In healthy bone, these two processes stay in balance, keeping bones strong and stable.

What Happens in Paget’s Disease of Bone?

In Paget’s disease of bone, the balance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts is disturbed:

  • Osteoclasts break down bone too quickly.
  • Osteoblasts respond by producing new bone too rapidly and in a disorganized way.

This leads to:

  • Enlarged bones
  • Weaker, more fragile bone structure
  • More blood vessels in the affected bone

The new bone is not as strong as normal bone, so it is more likely to bend, deform, or fracture.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of Paget’s disease of bone is unknown. Researchers suspect a combination of genetic and environmental factors (possibly including certain viral infections).

Known risk factors include:

  • Age – more common after age 50; rare before age 55
  • Family history – having a close relative with Paget’s disease increases your risk
  • Ethnicity and ancestry – more common in people with ancestry from:
    • England
    • Scotland
    • Central Europe
    • Greece
    • Countries with large European immigrant populations (such as the United States and New Zealand)

In Grand Rapids, where many residents have European heritage, Paget’s disease of bone may be seen more frequently in older adults. If you have a family history, talk with your doctor about whether screening is appropriate.

Symptoms of Paget’s Disease of Bone

Many people in Grand Rapids with Paget’s disease of bone have no symptoms and only discover the condition during tests done for another reason (such as an x-ray or blood test).

When symptoms do occur, they can include:

  • Pain and aching in the bones
  • Bone deformity or misshapen bones (for example, bowed legs)
  • Bones that feel warmer than the surrounding skin
  • Joint pain and stiffness in nearby joints

Symptoms When Specific Bones Are Affected

  • Skull

    • Hearing loss or reduced hearing
    • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
    • Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
    • Headaches

  • Spine

    • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
    • Pain from pinched or compressed nerves in the spinal cord

  • Leg bones (femur, tibia)

    • Bowed legs
    • Hip and knee pain
    • Difficulty walking or standing for long periods (especially challenging in icy West Michigan winters)

Paget’s disease of bone usually progresses slowly and, with proper medical care in Grand Rapids, can often be managed effectively.

Possible Complications

While many people live well with Paget’s disease of bone, complications can occur, especially if the condition is not treated.

Osteoarthritis

Paget’s disease can affect joints near the involved bones. Over time, the cushioning cartilage at the ends of bones can break down, leading to:

  • Joint pain
  • Swelling and stiffness
  • Reduced mobility

Hip, knee, and spine arthritis are common concerns in older adults in Michigan and can be worsened by Paget’s disease.

Bone Fractures

Because Paget’s bone is weaker and more brittle:

  • Bones are more likely to fracture, even with minor trauma (such as slips on ice or snow, which are common in Grand Rapids winters).
  • Fractures may heal more slowly or in a deformed position.

Hearing Loss and Nerve Problems

If the skull is affected:

  • Hearing loss may occur due to pressure on the nerves in the inner ear.
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and vertigo can also develop.

If the spine is affected:

  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness can result from pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Heart Strain

Because affected bones have more blood vessels, the heart must pump harder to supply them. This can:

  • Increase the workload on the heart
  • Rarely contribute to heart failure, mostly in people who already have underlying heart disease

High Calcium Levels in the Blood (Hypercalcemia)

In rare cases, when many bones are actively affected:

  • Increased bone breakdown can release too much calcium into the bloodstream.
  • This can cause:
    • Fatigue and weakness
    • Abdominal pain
    • Constipation
    • Loss of appetite

If you notice these symptoms, especially along with known Paget’s disease, contact your Grand Rapids healthcare provider or seek urgent care.

Diagnosing Paget’s Disease of Bone in Grand Rapids

Paget’s disease of bone is often discovered by accident, for example:

  • On an x-ray done for another reason (such as after a fall on the ice)
  • During routine blood tests showing abnormal results

To confirm the diagnosis, your Grand Rapids doctor may order:

Imaging Tests

  • X-rays – can show enlarged, deformed, or abnormal bone structure
  • Bone scan – a small amount of radioactive tracer highlights areas of increased bone activity

Blood Tests

  • Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) – an enzyme involved in bone formation
    • Levels are often elevated in active Paget’s disease.
  • Other blood tests may be done to rule out other conditions or to check calcium and vitamin D levels.

You can access these tests through local health systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, or through referrals from your primary care provider.

Treatment Options for Paget’s Disease of Bone

There is currently no cure for Paget’s disease of bone, but effective treatments are available in Grand Rapids to:

  • Reduce bone activity
  • Relieve pain
  • Lower the risk of complications

Treatment decisions are usually made by your GP (primary care doctor) in collaboration with specialists such as:

  • Endocrinologists – experts in hormonal and metabolic bone conditions
  • Rheumatologists – specialists in joint, muscle, and bone diseases

Medications

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are the main treatment for Paget’s disease of bone. They:

  • Slow down the overactive bone breakdown
  • Help restore a more normal bone remodeling process
  • Can reduce bone pain and lower the risk of fractures

These medications may be given:

  • As tablets
  • As an intravenous (IV) infusion in a hospital or infusion clinic in Grand Rapids

Pain-Relieving Medications

  • Analgesics (pain relievers) – such as acetaminophen
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – such as ibuprofen or naproxen

These can help manage bone and joint pain, but should be used under the guidance of your doctor, especially if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or heart disease—conditions not uncommon in older adults in Michigan.

Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium and vitamin D are both important for bone health. Your doctor may recommend:

  • Calcium – primarily through diet (such as milk, yogurt, cheese, leafy greens)
  • Vitamin D – through safe sun exposure and/or supplements

In Grand Rapids, long winters and limited sunlight can increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency, so your provider may be more likely to check your vitamin D level and recommend supplementation if needed.

Self-Management and Lifestyle Strategies in Grand Rapids

Medical treatment works best when combined with healthy lifestyle habits and self-management strategies.

Stay Active – Safely

Regular physical activity helps:

  • Maintain bone and joint health
  • Strengthen muscles
  • Improve balance and reduce fall risk
  • Support a healthy weight

However, because bones affected by Paget’s disease are weaker and more prone to fracture:

  • High-impact activities (like running or jumping) may not be suitable.
  • It’s important to get a personalized exercise program.

Consider working with:

  • A physiotherapist (physical therapist)
  • An exercise physiologist

They can design a safe program that might include:

  • Low-impact activities (walking, stationary cycling, swimming, water aerobics)
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Balance and flexibility training

This is especially valuable during icy West Michigan winters, when fall risk increases.

Use Supportive Devices When Needed

Occupational therapists and physiotherapists can recommend tools and devices to make daily activities safer and more comfortable, such as:

  • Walking aids – canes or walking sticks to reduce weight through affected bones
  • Braces or supports – to help align and stabilize weak or deformed bones
  • Foot orthotics – to support and correct abnormal foot position or motion

These supports can help you:

  • Stay mobile
  • Reduce pain
  • Lower your risk of falls and fractures

Maintain a Healthy, Balanced Diet

A nutritious diet supports overall health and bone strength. Aim to:

  • Include calcium-rich foods (dairy products, fortified plant milks, leafy greens, canned fish with bones)
  • Get adequate protein to support muscle and bone health
  • Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Maintaining a healthy weight can:

  • Reduce stress on your hips, knees, and spine
  • Lower your risk of osteoarthritis and other chronic diseases common in the Grand Rapids area, such as diabetes and heart disease

Learn to Manage Pain

Different pain management strategies may help at different times:

  • Heat packs – can ease muscle tension and chronic aching
  • Cold packs – can reduce inflammation and swelling after activity
  • Gentle stretching or movement – can decrease stiffness and improve comfort

Work with your doctor, physiotherapist, or pain specialist to build a personalized pain management plan.

Stay Connected and Seek Support

Living with a chronic condition like Paget’s disease of bone can feel isolating. Consider:

  • Talking with a counselor or social worker
  • Joining a chronic illness or bone health support group (in person or online)
  • Asking local organizations or your health system about support resources

While there may not be a Paget’s-specific support group in Grand Rapids, organizations that focus on arthritis, osteoporosis, or chronic pain can still be helpful.

Surgical Treatment

In severe cases, surgery may be needed, particularly when:

  • Bones are significantly deformed
  • Joints are severely damaged by arthritis
  • Nerves are compressed by abnormal bone growth
  • A fracture requires surgical repair

Common surgical procedures include:

  • Joint replacement (hip or knee)
  • Spinal surgery to relieve pressure on nerves
  • Fracture repair with plates, screws, or rods

These surgeries are typically performed by orthopedic surgeons at major Grand Rapids hospitals such as Spectrum Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Working and Living Well with Paget’s Disease of Bone

Many people with Paget’s disease of bone in Grand Rapids continue to work, stay active, and enjoy their usual activities with the right support.

Consider:

  • Talking with your doctor or occupational therapist about ways to modify your work tasks or schedule
  • Using ergonomic tools and proper body mechanics to reduce strain
  • Planning extra care in winter months to avoid slips and falls (good footwear, using handrails, clearing ice)

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding West Michigan area, you can seek help from:

  • Your GP or primary care provider
  • Endocrinologist – for metabolic bone disease management
  • Rheumatologist – for joint and bone conditions
  • Orthopedic surgeon – for fractures or joint replacement
  • Physiotherapist / Physical therapist – for exercise and mobility plans
  • Exercise physiologist – for safe, tailored fitness programs
  • Occupational therapist – for home and work adaptations, assistive devices

You can also contact:

  • Kent County Health Department – for general public health information and community resources
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and local hospital education programs – for chronic disease management classes, fall prevention, and nutrition education

Key Points About Paget’s Disease of Bone in Grand Rapids

  • Paget’s disease of bone is a chronic condition that causes abnormal enlargement and weakening of bones.
  • It most often affects adults over age 50 and is slightly more common in men.
  • Bone tissue is maintained by osteoblasts (build bone) and osteoclasts (break down bone); in Paget’s disease, this balance is disturbed.
  • Many people have no symptoms; others experience bone pain, deformity, warmth over affected bones, and complications such as osteoarthritis, fractures, and hearing loss.
  • Diagnosis is made with x-rays, bone scans, and blood tests (especially alkaline phosphatase).
  • Treatment in Grand Rapids typically includes bisphosphonate medications, pain relievers, and calcium and vitamin D when needed.
  • Exercise, weight management, fall prevention, and supportive devices play a key role in self-management.
  • With proper care from local providers and health systems in Grand Rapids, most people with Paget’s disease of bone can manage symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.