The Surprising Connection Between Your Kidneys and Feet

March is National Kidney Month, making this the optimal time to learn more about the surprising (yet important!) connection between your feet and kidneys. While this pairing may not be very intuitive, these seemingly unrelated body parts influence each other more than you may expect.

At Goldsmith Podiatry, we want to ensure our patients are educated on the integral part our organs play when it comes to foot health so they can try to stop foot complications in their tracks. Read on to learn more about how kidney problems can affect the lower extremities.

Circulation

The kidneys play a paramount role in the body’s circulatory system, filtering and detoxifying the blood. This helps prevent swelling and numbness in the foot area and prevents a buildup of harmful toxins that can negatively affect the body overall, including the feet.

Fluid Balance

Through the kidney’s continuous filtering of the blood, they also regulate the amount of water and electrolytes in the bloodstream. An imbalance in fluid levels can lead to swelling, known as edema, which is often noticeable in the foot or ankles and can impair mobility.

Renal Health and Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetic nephropathy, a kidney condition associated with diabetes, can directly impact the feet. High blood sugar levels can clog blood vessels in the kidneys, limiting their capacity to filter waste and fluid. These toxins can damage nerves, resulting in a loss of feeling in the feet to the point where you may not notice cuts, wounds, or even foot ulcers. If overlooked, this can pose a serious risk of infection. It’s imperative to see a podiatrist and have your feet examined for any changes you haven’t noticed.

Things you can do to keep your kidneys healthy include:

• Adequate hydration

• Balanced diet

• Regular exercise

• Avoid excessive salt intake

Prioritizing kidney health has a positive ripple effect on the health and vitality of our feet. At Goldsmith Podiatry, our board-certified DPMs are here to provide the education and support patients need when addressing a wide range of concerns. Set up an appointment today or give us a call at (212) 877-1002 so Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina T. Ruff can keep you stepping in the right direction!