Feet swelling is one typical sign of kidney disease and kidney failure. Renal disease is the most common cause of swelling in the feet, ankles, legs as well as face, hands, abdomen, etc. In kidney failure, excess water and sodium can not be removed efficiently from the blood. Water and sodium retention can cause swelling in the feet. Another cause is loss of proteins in urine and low albumin in the blood which can cause decreased plasma colloid osmotic pressure and fluid being accumulated in tissues.
But swelling of the feet does not definitely mean there is problem with the kidney. It can be caused by other conditions such as liver disease, heart problems or infections, etc.
Liver has the function to produce albumin, a type of proteins. When the liver is damaged, the production of proteins will be affected and low protein level in the blood can cause fluid leaking from blood vessels into the tissues.
When the heart is damaged, it can not function well to pump blood effectively and blood will be back to the legs, feet and ankles, resulting in swelling in the feet, ankles and legs.
Blood clots and stasis can form in the blood vessels of the legs which will hinder the smooth blood circulation. Blood can not flow from the legs back into the heart and this can cause feet swelling.
Infections. Swelling of the feet can be a sign of infection. If you are having diabetes and kidney damages, you might have infections in the feet which can cause swelling in the feet.
Some medicines and drugs that you are taking can cause feet swelling. They include high blood pressure medicines such as calcium channel blockers, diabetes medicines, steroids such as prednisone, NSAIDs(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), etc. Therefore if you are taking these drugs, it is very important to consult your doctor and test these drugs to see whether feet swelling is caused by these drugs.
Reduce or avoid salt intake and replace salt with sodium-free herbs and seasonings while cooking meals. Elevating your legs above the heart while lying or sitting can also help alleviate feet swelling. If swelling can not be alleviated through self-care measures, diuretics drugs can help.
If patients have other symptoms or discomforts besides feet swelling such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, chest pain, it is recommended to see a doctor and seek proper treatment as soon as possible according to the underlying cause.
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