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9 Signs in Your Feet That Show Kidney Failure (Kidney Disease)
Nine signs of kidney disease can appear in your feet, ranging from physical changes like swelling to sensations caused by imbalances in your body’s chemistry.
Physical Signs
- Swollen ankles and feet (edema) are a common sign, occurring when the kidneys cannot remove excess fluid and salt from the body efficiently.
- Changes in skin color on the feet, which might appear pale, reddish, or even dark, can be due to poor circulation or waste product build-up.
- Dry, itchy skin on the feet and ankles can be caused by a build-up of toxins or a mineral imbalance (like high phosphorus levels) in the blood.
- Foot ulcers and poor healing are a significant warning sign, often linked to nerve damage and circulation issues associated with kidney failure, which can increase the risk of infection.
- Nail changes, such as “half-and-half” nails (white at the top, reddish-brown at the bottom), can also be an indicator.
Sensations and Other Signs
- Numbness or tingling in the feet (peripheral neuropathy) may occur due to the accumulation of toxins that damage peripheral nerves.
- Foot pain or discomfort, which may be related to bone pain caused by an imbalance in minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
- Gout flare-ups, often affecting the big toe, are possible because the kidneys are responsible for filtering out excess uric acid, and impaired function can lead to a build-up of this acid.
- Restless leg syndrome—uncomfortable sensations and an irresistible urge to move the legs, especially when resting—can also be a sign of kidney issues and related iron deficiency anemia.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Early detection is key to managing kidney disease and potentially slowing its progression.
This information is for guidance only. You should consult a healthcare professional for any medical concerns
Beyond the feet, kidney disease can cause a wide variety of symptoms throughout your body as waste products and excess fluid build up. Many of these signs may be subtle in the early stages and often do not become apparent until the disease is advanced.
General & Systemic Signs
- Fatigue and Weakness: Healthy kidneys produce a hormone (EPO) that helps create oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Less EPO leads to anemia, causing persistent tiredness, weakness, and feeling cold.
- Shortness of Breath: This can result from the accumulation of extra fluid in the lungs or from anemia.
- Skin Changes: Dry, very itchy skin is common in advanced kidney disease due to mineral imbalances and toxin build-up in the blood. Skin color may also become pale, grayish, or yellowish.
- Nausea and Vomiting: The buildup of wastes in the bloodstream (uremia) can cause an upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting.
- Changes in Urination: You might need to urinate more often, especially at night, or less often. Other changes include foamy or bubbly urine (due to protein), or blood in the urine.
- Loss of Appetite and Metallic Taste: A buildup of toxins can affect your sense of taste, causing a metallic taste in the mouth or breath that smells like ammonia, leading to a poor appetite and weight loss.
- Cognitive Issues: Anemia can mean the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, leading to difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and dizziness.
- High Blood Pressure: Kidneys help control blood pressure; damage can lead to difficult-to-manage hypertension, which is both a cause and a symptom of worsening kidney disease.
- Swelling in Hands and Face: Fluid retention can also cause puffiness and swelling around the eyes, face, and hands.
- Bone/Joint Pain and Muscle Cramps: Imbalances in minerals like calcium and phosphorus can lead to weak bones, bone pain, and frequent muscle cramps.
This information is for guidance only. You should consult a healthcare professional for any medical concerns.
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