Have you noticed unusual changes in your legs, such as nighttime swelling, vascular abnormalities, or itching?
They’re often attributed to fatigue or aging, but did you know that your legs can be an important indicator of your liver’s health?
This organ works tirelessly to neutralize toxins and regulate your metabolism. When it begins to fail, your legs are often the first to raise the alarm.
Why legs?
Gravity: Blood and fluids tend to accumulate more easily in the lower extremities.
Circulation: The liver is essential for protein synthesis and regulating portal vein pressure. Its alterations directly affect the veins in the legs.
Metabolism: The liver produces proteins that keep fluid within the blood vessels. If these proteins are lacking, fluids leak into the tissues.
Detoxification: Toxins accumulated due to poor liver function can cause skin reactions.
Warning signs in the legs that suggest liver problems
1. Swelling (in thighs and feet)
What it looks like: Shoes are too tight, sock marks persist; pressing with a finger reveals a depression that slowly disappears. They tend to worsen at night.
Relationship with the liver: A damaged liver produces less albumin, a protein that retains fluid within blood vessels. A deficiency causes edema. Furthermore, portal hypertension disrupts normal venous flow.
2. Vascular “stars” (telangiectasias)
What they look like: Small red or purple “cobwebs” on ankles and feet.
Liver-related: Common in chronic diseases such as cirrhosis. They are caused by changes in hormonal metabolism (especially estrogen) and increased pressure in the veins.
3. Change in skin color
What it looks like: A yellowish hue (mild jaundice) or darker areas (hyperpigmentation), especially around the ankles.
Connection to the liver: Jaundice indicates problems with the breakdown and elimination of bilirubin; hyperpigmentation reflects metabolic disturbances and melanin accumulation.
4. Itchy skin
How it feels: Constant, no flare-ups, more frequent at night.
Liver-related: May be one of the first signs of cholestasis (bile stasis). The accumulated bile acids irritate the nerve endings in the skin.
5. Redness of the feet (plantar erythema)
What it looks like: Abnormally red and hot skin on the feet, especially at the base of the big toe and the heel. Pressure temporarily makes the redness disappear.
Relationship with the liver: Like spider veins, it is related to excess estrogen and the dilation of small vessels caused by portal hypertension.
⚠️ Important: These symptoms do not constitute a definitive diagnosis of liver disease. They can also occur in cases of heart failure, kidney problems, allergies, varicose veins, or skin conditions. However, if they appear together and progress, it is essential to consult a doctor.
What to do?
Do not ignore the symptoms. If you have persistent aches and pains, vascular changes, changes in color in your skin, especially if you are accompanied by fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss of missing ribs or changes in your skin or eyes, contact a general practitioner or gastroenterologist immediately.
Prepare for the consultation: note when the symptoms appear, which ones are better or better and if they present other unpleasant symptoms.
Usual findings: blood analysis (hepatic enzymes – ALT, AST, bilirubin, alkaline phosphate, GGT, albumen), complete hemogram and abdominal ultrasound.
Conclusion
You don’t have to worry about your body’s support: it can also serve as a clear indicator of your health . Hinchazón, vascular arañas, picazón or changes of color in the skin are not underestimated .
Its important signals that your organism envy you. Detecting and detecting the medico can mark the difference for an effective diagnosis and treatment.
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