Edema of the feet, ankles or face is a sensation that at some time in our lives, we all may experience. Frequently, it is dismissed by the lack of rest, hours spent standing or an exorbitant consumption of salt. These things could prompt short-term swelling, but long term or otherwise unexplained swelling should not be overlooked because it can occur as an early indication that your kidneys are in distress.
Your kidneys help to keep fluid in your body balanced. When the valves aren’t working properly, fluid can collect in various areas of the body and cause swelling. Knowing this link could aid in detecting early signs of possible kidney issues.
What Is Swelling (Edema)?
Swelling, the medical term for which is edema, happens when extra fluid gets caught in your body’s tissues. It generally strikes the feet, ankles, legs, hands and face especially around the eyes.
In healthy people, the kidneys filter out excess fluid and waste from the blood in urine. When there’s a disruption in this process, fluid retention causes swelling. Edema may be mild and unilateral or severe and bilateral depending on the cause.
What Is the Connection Between the Kidneys and Swelling?
The filtering and drainage of blood in the kidneys never stop, as they adjust fluid, salt and protein balance. When the kidneys fail, swelling may result from:
- Decreased fluid removal: If the kidneys are not working adequately, they will be unable to get rid of extra water
- Proteinuria (urine contains protein): Low amounts of proteins in blood allow it to filter and fill into tissues.
- Retention of sodium: Ingesting too much salt will make the body retain fluid;
Such swelling is frequently first observed in the mornings, especially around the eyes (periorbital edema), and then generally increases through out the day in a dependant pattern (eg, feet/ankles).
Kidney Disease That Can Cause Edema
Below are some of the kidney-related causes that can be responsible for swelling in feet and face:
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A slow loss of kidney function over time
- Nephrotic syndrome: A disorder where there is a loss of large amounts of protein in urine
- Acute kidney injury: Rapid downturn of the kidneys as a result of illness, infection or medications
- Diabetic kidney disease: Damage to the kidneys due to long-standing diabetes
- High blood pressure-related kidney disease: Long-term force of blood flow may injure the filters in kidneys
Regular swelling, or edema, in the body is caused by fluid retention on the kidneys, and this can be a sign of severe kidney disease.
When Should Swelling Raise Concern?
Swelling is concerning when it is:
- Persistent or increasing over time
- Foamy urinary appearance, diminished urine production, tiredness
- With high blood pressure or uncontrolled diabetes
If swelling is not relieved with rest or lifestyle modification, seek medical evaluation.
Other Possible Reasons for Swelling
Swelling doesn’t always mean there is a problem with the kidneys. Other things that can cause fluid retention are:
- Standing or sitting for a long time
- Too much salt in the diet
- Conditions related to the heart
- Problems with the liver
- Changes in hormones
- Some drugs
Self-diagnosing swelling is not a good idea because there are many things that can cause it. To find the right cause, you need to get the right medical care.
How do doctors figure out if swelling is caused by the kidneys?
To find out what is causing the swelling, doctors use both clinical evaluation and basic tests. Some common tests are:
- Routine urine tests to look for protein or other problems
- Blood tests like creatinine and urea to check how well the kidneys are working
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) to check how well the kidneys are working
- Checking blood pressure
- If needed, an ultrasound of the kidneys
These tests are easy to do, widely available, and help find kidney problems early on.
Is Early Detection a Shield for Kidney Health?
Yes. “Identifying kidney-related edema before it progresses to more severe disease may allow individuals with Type 1 diabetes to intervene early while some kidney function is preserved,” he said, adding that this could help reduce the pace of kidney disease progression and mitigate additional complications. With good medical care, changes in lifestyle and careful watch, most people can keep their kidneys functioning well for years.
Disregard of symptoms such as swelling for reasonable time may delay diagnosis and curtail treatment options.
What to Do If You See Swelling
If your face or feet swell up:-
- Keep an eye on how often it happens and if it gets worse.
- Eat less salt
- Stay hydrated enough
- Don’t take painkillers that you don’t need.
- Keep your blood sugar and blood pressure in check.
If the swelling doesn’t go away or gets worse with other symptoms, see a doctor.
Do What’s Right for Your Kidneys
Swelling in the feet and face is easy to dismiss, but it can suggest an underlying kidney problem requiring attention. Early attention ensures better decision making and timely care.
If you want ethical, evidence-based, and patient-centered kidney care, you can talk to the nephrology and urology specialists at Madhuban Kidney Care in Pitampura.
📞 Phone: +91 78278 90989 / +91 78400 07989
📍 Location: ED 3A, Madhuban Chowk, Pitampura, New Delhi