Paget’s awareness day: how to show your support
Today marks Paget’s Awareness day, so we thought we’d take this opportunity to show our support for those living with the disease and the symptoms to look out for. Here’s everything you need to know…
What is Paget’s disease?
Throughout a human’s life, our bone undergoes a renewal process whereby new bone tissue replaces old bone tissue. Paget’s disease interferes with this remodelling by repairing bones at an increased rate. This can lead to overly large or misshapen bones.
Key symptoms
Unfortunately, Paget’s disease is often asymptomatic and is usually detected during unrelated X-ray check ups by chance. Those who have experienced symptoms have reported the following tell-tale signs:
- Consistent bone pain, often dull
- Pain in the joints,stiffness and/or swelling
- Loss of movement in part of the body
- Numbness and tingling
- Shooting pains
Paget’s usually affects older individuals and is rare in under 50s.
What is the treatment?
Although we are still yet to find a cure for Paget’s disease, there is treatment that can help reduce the severity of symptoms. This includes physiotherapy, medications that help control bone regeneration and over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol.
Researchers and scientists are currently exploring the genes that could be responsible for Paget’s disease so that it can be detected early on/before its onset. Eventually, it is hoped that a treatment will be developed that can reverse the damage caused by Paget’s.
How can I help raise awareness today?
- Wear blue! The official colour for Paget’s disease is royal blue so make sure to participate and explain to people the reason for your outfit choice today.
- Educate others about the disease. There is very little awareness of Pagets so talking about it will help spread the word and make individuals with the disease feel seen.
- Donate to the Paget’s Association and help support research into the bone disease.
- Keen runner? Why not raise money for the Paget’s Association during your next charity race or marathon?
Here at Amaré Health, we support those living with Paget’s Association and encourage everyone to help raise awareness today!
From occupational therapy, to physiotherapy, we have an exciting array of vacancies on offer which you can check out here. Get in touch with our friendly recruiters today on 0203 929 4017 if any roles take your interest – or let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll do our best to help!