Get the Facts on Kidney Disease and Your Feet
At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we take a total body approach when it comes to your feet. There is an impact on your feet by systemic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. But your feet can also act as an early warning system, exhibiting symptoms of certain conditions when they are in their early stages. This is the case with kidney disease. March is National Kidney Month and an excellent time to learn about kidney disease and how it affects your feet.
One of the jobs of your kidneys is to eliminate waste from the body and regulate fluid levels. Excess fluid may first show up as swelling (or edema) in your feet and ankles when that function goes awry due to kidney disease. Below are some other facts about kidney disease:
Kidney disease is more likely to develop in people aged 60 and older. Other risk factors include a family history of the disease, obesity, smoking, having high blood pressure, and/or diabetes.
Kidney disease is a progressive condition. In addition to swelling in the lower extremities, other symptoms that may indicate potential kidney disease are swelling in other areas such as the face, hands, abdomen, puffy eyes, urine that seems foamy or contains blood, difficulty, and pain in urinating, increased thirst, and fatigue. Over time, kidney dysfunction can also cause nausea, vomiting, decreased mental alertness, muscle cramps, and shortness of breath.
Kidney disease can lead to other serious medical conditions, including heart attack, stroke, weak bones, high blood pressure, anemia, and nerve damage.
There are steps you can take to help lower your risk of developing kidney disease. Don’t take more than the recommended dose of over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin. Maintain a healthy weight. Don’t smoke. And finally, work with your doctors to manage chronic conditions that can increase your chances of kidney disease.
Whenever you notice new or unusual symptoms in your feet and ankles, it’s important to talk to our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, to determine the cause. Even symptoms that are not particularly painful may indicate a problem developing in your feet or another part of your body. Contact our Hudson office for an appointment by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799.