How Your Feet Are Warning You About Your Liver Problems - Explains

When you think about liver problems, you probably don’t imagine starting with your feet. But your body can be surprisingly clever at sending early warning signs—and sometimes, those signs start at the very bottom. I’m John P., and on this week’s Health Weekly Insider Tips, we’re looking at how what’s happening in your feet could reveal what’s happening with your liver.

Let’s start with a basic question—what does your liver have to do with your feet, anyway? Well, your liver is a major filter for your blood, removing toxins and regulating fluid balance. When your liver isn’t working as it should, fluid can start to build up in your body, particularly in the lower extremities. Why? Because gravity sends fluid downward, and your liver isn’t properly managing the chemical signals that regulate fluid retention.

So, if you stand up after a long day and notice that your shoes feel tight or your socks leave deep indentations, that’s called edema—swelling, especially around your ankles and feet. Occasional swelling isn’t unusual, especially if you’ve been standing or sitting for hours, but if it keeps happening or seems to be getting worse, your liver might be trying to get your attention.

Now, take a closer look at the skin on your feet. Is it turning yellowish, along with your toenails or even the whites of your eyes? That’s jaundice, a classic sign that the liver’s not processing bilirubin properly. Another hint: chronic itching on the bottoms of your feet or thick, dark patches called hyperpigmentation. When the liver can’t remove toxins, they can cause skin and foot irritation.

There are subtler clues, too. Are you feeling unusually fatigued after minor activity? Have tiny red spots or spider-like veins appeared near your ankles? Both issues may be linked to the liver’s decreased production of critical proteins or changes in hormone levels regulated by—guess who—the liver.

So what does this mean for you? If these foot symptoms are new, persistent, or worsening, don’t brush them off. They might be nothing, but they could be an early sign of something more serious. Talk to your healthcare provider about any swelling, color changes, or itching that won’t go away.

Wrapping up: your feet are more than just the things you stand on—they’re sending you clues about your internal health. Look down every once in a while; your feet might just be trying to save your life.

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