7 signs of early kidney disease seen in legs and hands

If caught an an early stage, kidney disease can be easily handled. Early kidney disease is sometimes tricky to diagnose, and individuals might find themselves with few, or no noticeable symptoms. However, your legs together with your hands, demonstrate several warning signs of developing kidney issues. The right medical intervention becomes possible through recognising these early warning signs, which helps patients get proper care before the condition progresses. Here are 7 important warning signs of early kidney disease that are reflected through changes in your legs and hands....

The improper functioning of kidneys prevents your body from efficiently eliminating excess fluid. Your body retains more fluid because of this, resulting in swelling that doctors call edema. You may experience noticeable swelling that appears as puffiness throughout your hands, along with your feet, ankles and lower parts of your legs. A person experiencing swelling in their skin, might notice discomfort alongside tightness, that creates a finger indentation when pressed against their skin. Early kidney problems often begin with this common symptom. This swelling will intensify, and may also spread to the eyes and face. Early medical intervention allows you to reduce fluid accumulation, and achieve better comfort.

Fluid retention causes hands and legs to swell up, and appear larger than usual. The accumulation of fluid produces swelling that results in noticeable changes to the size and shape of these areas. Puffiness becomes most visible, when you first wake up, or spend time seated or standing. Your doctor should check your kidney function whenever you notice your hands or legs appear unusually large without a specific reason. Swollen limbs present obstacles to movement and produce stiffness as a result. Monitoring when the puffiness develops, will help doctors diagnose your condition.

Your body removes waste through the kidneys, which results in skin alterations on your hands and legs. Your skin may experience dryness, itching and develop rashes as a result. The skin might present pale or discolored patches, because kidney problems lead to poor circulation and mineral build-up. Patients with chronic kidney disease tend to have yellow-brown discoloration on their skin. Such modifications often result in skin that develops coarse or scaly textures. Medical treatments together with proper skin care methods, can provide relief from these symptoms.

The kidneys maintain mineral equilibrium by controlling potassium, calcium and sodium. The damage to kidneys creates mineral imbalances, which trigger muscle cramps, along with spasms and weakness. The painful muscle cramps tend to affect your legs predominantly. The combination of muscle problems with foot and hand numbness (pins-and-needles sensations), occurs frequently in patients with these conditions. The discomforting muscle cramps produce intense pain that mostly appears during nighttime sleep. The muscle symptoms that result from electrolyte imbalances, stem from kidney-related issues.

Kidney disease creates noticeable changes that appear through your fingernails and toenails. This results in half-and-half nails form, when the nail shows white discoloration at the top, while the bottom maintains its natural reddish-brown color. White bands and pale nail colors are some of the changes people with this condition might experience. Poor kidney health also affects blood circulation, along with body nutrient levels which causes these noticeable changes. Nail irregularities can serve as indicators of anemia, which commonly affects people with kidney disease.Also See: Why do stones get formed in the kidney and gallbladder: 4 things to do to prevent them​

The deterioration of kidney function, leads to reduced blood circulation. Because of this, your fingers, along with your toes, can become chilly while experiencing numbness and tingling sensations. Medical assessment is required for unexplained or ongoing sensations that may indicate nerve damage related to kidneys. The decreased blood flow, produces both pain and limits your ability to carry out your regular tasks.

The presence of itchy skin represents another kidney disease symptom. The buildup of waste products in the blood occurs, because kidney filtering functions become impaired which leads to this condition. When your hands and legs become itchy to the point that it interferes with your sleep and daily tasks, it is a serious sign that requires urgent care.

Sources:

MSD Manuals – Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms

PSRI Hospital – Swelling in Legs and Kidney Health

Dr. Gura – First Signs of Kidney Problems

Fresenius Kidney Care – Managing Swelling Caused by Kidney Disease

NHS – Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms

American Academy of Dermatology – How Kidney Disease Affects Skin and Nails

Mayo Clinic – Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms and Cause

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice

Protect your kidneys through healthy food, and enough hydration

Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet can be an early sign of kidney disease. When the kidneys don’t function properly, waste products can build up in the blood, damaging peripheral nerves. This nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy, affects sensation and may cause pins-and-needles, burning, or weakness. Persistent symptoms should prompt medical evaluation to check kidney function and prevent further complications.

Take care of these signs to keep kidneys healthy

Protecting your kidneys is vital for overall health, and you can take several key steps to avoid damage. The most crucial strategy is to manage underlying chronic conditions, particularly diabetes and high blood pressure, which are the two leading causes of kidney failure. Maintaining healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels is essential, often through a combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments. A healthy lifestyle is also a powerful preventative tool. This includes eating a balanced diet low in sodium, processed foods, and added sugars, and limiting excessive protein and alcohol for optimal kidney health and function, helping maintain balance in your body.

Keep your kidneys healthy with a healthy diet and hydration. Drink adequate water, and eat a well balanced and nutritious diet.

The signs of a kidney stone can vary depending on its size and location, but they are often quite distinct and can be very painful. One of the most common symptoms is severe, sharp, cramping pain in the back and side, typically below the ribs. This pain, often called renal colic, can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin as the stone moves through the urinary tract. The pain often comes in waves and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Other tell-tale signs include blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown, and changes in urination patterns, such as a persistent need to urinate, urinating more frequently than usual, or a burning sensation during urination. If you notice these signs it is important to the doctor.

If these symptoms persist, visit a medical health professional to seek advice immediately.

A poor kidney function can severely hamper your quality of life