“Your legs are screaming HELP!” — 5 possible warning signs linked to liver disease
That headline is catchy, but it can be misleading. Leg symptoms alone do not mean your liver is failing. However, certain changes in the legs and feet can occur with advanced liver disease, particularly cirrhosis.
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Mayo Clinic
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Here are five signs worth knowing:
Swelling around the ankles and feet
Fluid can accumulate in the lower legs, causing puffiness (edema). In cirrhosis, this can happen because of increased pressure in the portal circulation and reduced production of proteins such as albumin.
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NIDDK
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Swelling that leaves a dent
If you press a swollen area near your ankle or shin and a depression remains briefly, this can be pitting edema. Liver disease is one possible cause, although heart, kidney and other conditions can also cause it.
Persistent or intense itching
Liver and bile-duct disorders can cause significant itching. It may occur without an obvious rash and can affect different parts of the body.
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NIDDK
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Muscle cramps or weakness in the legs
Muscle cramps and muscle loss/weakness can occur with cirrhosis. They are not specific to liver disease, however, and can have many other causes.
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NIDDK
Changes elsewhere that accompany leg swelling
Leg swelling becomes more concerning when accompanied by abdominal swelling, yellow eyes/skin, dark urine, easy bruising or bleeding, severe fatigue, confusion or drowsiness. These can indicate significant liver dysfunction or complications of cirrhosis.
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Mayo Clinic
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One important point
Fatty liver often causes no noticeable symptoms, especially in its earlier stages. You cannot reliably diagnose liver disease by looking at your legs. Doctors may use blood tests and imaging, together with your medical history and examination, to investigate suspected liver disease.
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NIDDK
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If you have new persistent leg swelling, especially together with abdominal swelling or yellowing of the eyes/skin, it’s worth getting medically evaluated rather than assuming it’s simply a liver “detox” issue.
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