Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Kidney Disease Cause Swelling In The Legs?
Question: I am wanting to know if the swelling in my legs could be from my kidneys or what I have no chest pain no blood pressure issues. how can I determine what the problem is without spending alot of money on tests I do not have insurance my grandmother does have kidney issues I have had issues with kidney infections in the past I do not believe it is diabetes for the simple fact have been tested for it in past .
Brief Answer:
Different possible causes.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Diabetes itself would not cause swelling, only if the diabetes is not controlled and has affected the kidneys or heart.
Swelling of both legs can be due to-(1) kidney disease/failure
(2) liver disease,
(3) heart disease,
(4)venous disease- varicose veins or history of standing for long periods,
(5) side effect of medication,
(6)trauma,
(7) arthritis in both feet/knees,
(8) infection (though usually affects one leg),
(9) allergic reaction to a topical agent applied to the legs
Kidney disease/failure usually occurs in persons with a history of uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension. Infection does not usually cause kidney failure unless the infections do not respond to treatment or they are very frequent and cause scarring of the kidneys.
The reason for the kidney disease in your grandmother needs to be determined eg if she has it due to diabetes or high blood pressure or other chronic illness, then it (the kidney disease) is not passed down
The fact that there is no chest pain or high blood pressure or diabetes makes heart disease unlikely.
If there is no history of alcohol abuse or fatty liver due to diet/inactivity- then the liver disease is also not likely.
If you have a history of standing for long periods then it may be related to the venous system.
Treatment would involve compression stockings, reducing standing and elevating the legs at points during the day.
The only way to completely look at the kidneys or liver or heart would test which you indicated is not an option at this time.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Different possible causes.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Diabetes itself would not cause swelling, only if the diabetes is not controlled and has affected the kidneys or heart.
Swelling of both legs can be due to-(1) kidney disease/failure
(2) liver disease,
(3) heart disease,
(4)venous disease- varicose veins or history of standing for long periods,
(5) side effect of medication,
(6)trauma,
(7) arthritis in both feet/knees,
(8) infection (though usually affects one leg),
(9) allergic reaction to a topical agent applied to the legs
Kidney disease/failure usually occurs in persons with a history of uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension. Infection does not usually cause kidney failure unless the infections do not respond to treatment or they are very frequent and cause scarring of the kidneys.
The reason for the kidney disease in your grandmother needs to be determined eg if she has it due to diabetes or high blood pressure or other chronic illness, then it (the kidney disease) is not passed down
The fact that there is no chest pain or high blood pressure or diabetes makes heart disease unlikely.
If there is no history of alcohol abuse or fatty liver due to diet/inactivity- then the liver disease is also not likely.
If you have a history of standing for long periods then it may be related to the venous system.
Treatment would involve compression stockings, reducing standing and elevating the legs at points during the day.
The only way to completely look at the kidneys or liver or heart would test which you indicated is not an option at this time.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
