Doctor: These kinds of leg abnormalities may be a "distress" signal from the liver
The liver is one of the most important detoxification organs in the human body, and its health directly affects the health status of the entire body. Interestingly, when the liver is experiencing problems, certain parts of the body send out warning signals in advance, and the legs may be one of these "alarms". These leg abnormalities may be a "distress signal" sent by the liver to you.
Edema of the legs. Impaired liver function may lead to decreased protein synthesis in the body, especially albumin synthesis, which may cause a decrease in plasma colloidal osmotic pressure, causing fluid to leak out of blood vessels and accumulate in the interstitial spaces of the body, which may cause edema in the legs or ankles. In patients with liver disease, liver metabolism disorders can lead to sodium and water retention, resulting in water stasis and edema in the body. Diuretics can be taken in the early stage, and hemodialysis and other treatments are required in the later stage.
There is also hypoproteinemia, in patients with liver disease, the lack of protein synthesis function leads to severe damage, albumin reduction, and hypoproteinemia, resulting in excessive fluid retention in the tissue space of the lower limbs, and edema. A high-quality protein, semi-liquid diet with intravenous albumin if necessary.
Lower limb reflux disorder, such as a very serious liver disease, will cause compression of the inferior vena cava, causing blood return disorder in the lower limbs, and the leg swelling will occur, and the symptoms are relatively more serious. Wear medical compression stockings or elastic bandages on the affected limb to avoid prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, and intermittent elevation of the affected limb.
Reddish-brown spots may also appear. Liver disease can lead to a decrease in the number of platelets and impaired blood clotting, which can make people more susceptible to bruising or small reddish-brown spots on the legs (petechiae or ecchymosis), which are microbleeds under the skin caused by a ruptured blood vessel.
Spider angiomas. A spider nevus is a small, dilated blood vessel with a large blood supply vessel in the middle and many small blood vessels around it, resembling a spider's web. This may be common in people with cirrhosis and chronic liver disease, especially in the legs.
Leg pain or cramps. Liver disease can affect the body's metabolic function, leading to an imbalance of trace elements and electrolytes, which can lead to leg pain or frequent cramps.
Skin pigmentation. Abnormal liver function may lead to blocked bile secretion and increased bilirubin levels, causing yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, while people with chronic liver disease may develop skin pigmentation, which makes the skin of the legs appear copper or brown.
These abnormalities in the legs may be the body's attempt to tell you that there may be a problem with the liver. If you notice any of the above symptoms, especially if they are accompanied by common symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and upper abdominal discomfort, you should seek medical attention promptly.
Liver disease may not have many obvious symptoms in the early stage, but through these "signals", problems can be detected in advance and treated in time to avoid further progression of liver disease. Remember, prevention is always more important than cure when it comes to liver health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, drinking alcohol in moderation, avoiding exposure to toxic substances, and having regular liver function tests are key to protecting liver health.
