FAQ: What Are the Neuromuscular and Functional Burdens of Living With HPP?

In this FAQ video, Jeremy Morgan, NP, from Access Solutions Rheumatology in Tulsa, Oklahoma, discusses the neuromuscular and functional burden of hypophosphatasia (HPP), a rare and often underdiagnosed metabolic bone disease. While severe forms may present in infancy, many patients with milder HPP go unrecognized until adolescence or adulthood, experiencing chronic bone pain, joint pain, enthesitis, and recurrent foot fractures. These symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as growing pains, fibromyalgia, or osteoporosis, leading to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate management. Patients with HPP often face significant functional limitations, including difficulty standing or walking for extended periods, reduced mobility, and challenges in daily activities, career choices, and social engagement. Dental complications, such as frequent cavities and tooth loss, further impact quality of life. This video highlights the importance of early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management strategies for HPP, providing valuable insights for rheumatology providers and advanced practice providers. For more expert-driven rheumatology education, visit the RhAPP Content Rheum and the RhAPP ACE app.