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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffTake the following steps to reduce your risk of complications from Paget's disease of bone:
- Prevent falls. Paget's disease puts you at high risk of bone fractures. Ask your doctor for advice on preventing falls. He or she may recommend that you use a cane or a walker. Take measures to fall-proof your home. Remove slippery floor coverings, use nonskid mats in your bathtub or shower, tuck away cords, and install handrails on stairways and grab bars in your bathroom.
- Eat well. Be sure your diet includes adequate levels of calcium and of vitamin D, which facilitates the absorption of calcium. This is especially important if you're being treated with bisphosphonates. Generally, you need at least 1,000 milligrams (mg) a day of calcium up to age 50, and 1,200 mg a day after age 50. You need 400 international units (IU), or 10 micrograms (mcg), a day of vitamin D up to age 70, and then need to increase your intake to 600 IU (15 mcg) daily. Review your diet with your doctor and ask him or her whether you should begin taking vitamin and calcium supplements.
- Exercise regularly. Exercising on a regular basis is essential for maintaining joint mobility and bone strength. Focus on weight-bearing exercise — such as walking, jogging or dancing — to maximize the benefit to your bones. Be sure to include strength training in your exercise program — strong muscles help support damaged joints. Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program to determine the right type, duration and intensity of exercise for you. Some activities may stress your affected bones.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Excess body weight may cause additional damage to your joints and may worsen pain in your joints. If you require surgery, excess weight also increases the risk of complications.
