Bones are the foundation that humans are built upon. This living tissue continues to regenerate through the human life span; however, MedlinePlus indicates that after the age of 20, the human body begins to lose more bone than it builds. Two common forms of bone diseases consist of osteoporosis, which, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, affects about 44 million Americans, and Paget's disease of bone, which affects about 1 million Americans. Bone diseases may be caused by a virus, poor bone mass and genetics. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of bone disease.
Paget's Disease of Bone
In Paget's disease of bone, the rate at which old bone is broken down into new slows down, resulting in the deformation of new bone growth. MayoClinic.com indicates that this condition becomes more common with age. Many people with Paget's disease do no show symptoms. The disease affects each individual differently as the condition may isolate to specific skeletal areas, including the skull, spine, arms, legs, pelvis. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says that sufferers may develop pain, have enlarged bones, suffer broken bones and demonstrate joint cartilage damage. If the disease manifests in the leg bones, the individual may developed bowed legs, whereas disease in the spine may result in curvature. Paget's disease in the skull may result in headaches, hearing loss and a large head size. This source indicates that symptoms progressively become worse, but does not spread in the body. A diagnosis of Paget's disease is reached through X-ray.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, which means porous bones, according to MayoClinic.com, results in bones that are brittle and weak. This can be so pronounces that even mild strain, such as a cough, can cause a break. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases indicates that many people do not know they have this disease as there are no symptoms while the bone loss progresses. Weakened bones may result in severe back pain from collapsed vertebra or fractures, stooping posture, height loss and fractures throughout the body. Bone breaks and fractures may result from sudden falls or strain, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Detection of osteoporosis is accomplished through a bone mineral density test.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Also known as brittle bone disease, osteogenesis imperfecta causes weakness in bones that results in easy breakage, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. At times, bones may break for no reason. Other problems may result as well, including weak muscles, hearing loss and brittle teeth. The disease manifests in mild to severe forms with different symptoms emerging in each individual. Symptoms include malformed bones, small body, loose joints, the whites of eyes appearing blue, purple or gray, triangular face, barrel-shaped rib cage, curved spine, breathing problems and not enough collagen.
Osteogenesis imperfecta cannot be diagnosed using one test. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases indicates that a doctor diagnoses the disease through a review of family history, medical history, physical exam and X-ray.
