Kidney disease is often referred to as a “silent” condition because many people do not notice symptoms until the disease has already progressed. However, one of the most visible warning signs can actually appear in the feet. Paying attention to these early signals may help in detecting kidney problems before they become severe.
1. Swelling (Edema)
When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they are unable to remove excess fluid and sodium from the body. This leads to fluid retention, often noticeable in the feet and ankles. Swelling may become more pronounced at the end of the day or after long periods of standing.