Why does Paget's disease of bone cause persistent bone pain?

Paget's disease can make bone enlarge, bend, or become less well organised. The altered shape can place stress on nearby joints, tendons, and muscles. Increased blood flow and active bone turnover may also make an affected area feel warm or tender. Pain is often deep and persistent, and it may be noticed in the pelvis, spine, skull, or long bones, although any bone can be involved. Some people have no symptoms and learn about the condition after an imaging test for another reason. Bone pain has many causes, so the symptom alone does not establish Paget's disease.

Book an appointment for persistent, deep, or unexplained bone pain, particularly if the area changes shape, feels warm, or affects walking and movement. A clinician may examine your gait, joints, and painful area and may use blood tests or imaging to look for changes in bone activity. Tell them about fractures, hearing or vision changes, headaches, and medicines. Treatment decisions depend on which bones are affected and whether nearby joints or nerves are under strain.

Get urgent help after a significant injury with severe bone pain, inability to stand or use a limb, new weakness or numbness, sudden severe headache, or a sudden change in hearing or vision. Prompt assessment is also needed for rapidly worsening pain or a visibly deformed limb.

Ask which bone may be affected, what tests can confirm the cause, whether nearby joints or nerves are involved, how activity should be adjusted, and which symptoms require urgent review.