What it is
Many people have no symptoms and it is found by chance on an X-ray or a blood test showing high alkaline phosphatase.
Medicines called bisphosphonates can help control bone pain. Pain relief, physiotherapy and sometimes surgery for complications such as fractures or arthritis may be needed.
Common signs
- Often no symptoms
- Bone pain, often in the hip, back or leg
- Bones becoming bent or enlarged
- Bones breaking more easily
- Hearing loss if the skull is affected
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood tests, including alkaline phosphatase
- X-rays
- An isotope bone scan
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Blood test results over time
- X-ray and bone scan reports
- Rheumatology or endocrinology letters
- Medicine lists
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which bones are affected?
- Do I need treatment now?
- How will you check it over time?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the legs, or loss of bladder or bowel control: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.