2. Swollen Ankles, Feet, or Hands
You might notice your shoes feel tighter or your rings don’t slide on as easily. This swelling, called edema, occurs when your kidneys can’t balance sodium and water effectively.
It starts subtly—just puffiness around the eyes or ankles—but can spread throughout the body. Many people blame it on salt intake or long days standing, but persistent swelling often means fluid is building up inside you.
Could this be just poor circulation? Maybe. But if it continues, it’s time to look deeper.
3. Changes in Urination
This is one of the clearest signals your kidneys send. You may urinate more or less frequently, especially at night. The urine might appear foamy, dark, or contain blood.
John, 58, ignored his frequent nighttime urination for months, thinking it was just age. When he finally got tested, his kidney function had dropped by nearly 40%.
Pay attention to:
- Cloudy or pinkish urine
- Strong, ammonia-like odor
- Feeling pressure or pain when urinating
These subtle changes often appear before any major damage is diagnosed.
4. Persistent Back or Side Pain
This is a symptom many people miss. The kidneys sit on either side of your lower back, and when they’re inflamed or blocked, you might feel a dull ache in that area.
It’s not the same as muscle soreness—it’s deeper, almost like pressure from the inside. The pain can radiate to your abdomen or thighs.
But here’s the tricky part: this symptom often appears late, when kidney stones or infections are already developing. Catching it early could make all the difference.
