Swelling (of the thighs and feet)
What they look like : shoes feel tight, sock marks persist; when pressed, a dent remains, slowly disappearing. They generally worsen in the evening.
Link to the liver : when the liver is damaged, albumin production decreases, a protein that retains fluid in the blood vessels. Its low level leads to edema. In addition, portal hypertension disrupts normal venous flow.
Vascular “stars” (telangiectasias)
What they look like : small red or purple “spider webs” on the ankles and feet.
Liver connection : often seen in chronic diseases like cirrhosis. Caused by altered hormone metabolism (especially estrogen) and increased pressure in the veins.
