Many people notice mild swelling in their feet or ankles by the evening and often dismiss it as tiredness after a long day. While swelling can occur due to prolonged standing, walking, or hot weather, persistent or recurring swelling should not be ignored. In some cases, it may be an early warning sign of an underlying health condition, including kidney disease.
According to Urologist Dr. Bhupat Singh Bhati, swelling in the ankles and feet during the evening may indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly. When the kidneys fail to remove excess water and salt from the body efficiently, fluid begins to accumulate in the lower parts of the body, particularly the feet and ankles, leading to swelling.
🔷 Why Do Feet Swell?
Foot swelling, medically known as edema, occurs when excess fluid builds up in the body's tissues. It can happen for several reasons, including:
👉 Standing or sitting for long periods
👉 Excessive salt intake
👉 Hot weather
👉 Pregnancy
👉 Side effects of certain medications
👉 Poor vein circulation
👉 Heart, liver, or kidney disorders
Not every case of swollen feet is caused by kidney disease. However, if the swelling becomes frequent or persistent, it is important to seek medical advice.
🔷 How Is Kidney Disease Related to Swelling?
The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste products, excess salt, and extra fluid from the blood. When kidney function declines:
👉 Excess fluid remains in the body.
👉 Sodium balance is disturbed.
👉 Swelling develops in the feet, ankles, and sometimes the face.
This swelling often becomes more noticeable later in the day because gravity causes fluid to collect in the lower limbs while standing or sitting.
🔷 Warning Signs That Require Medical Attention
If swelling in the feet is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, consult a healthcare professional promptly:
👉 Reduced urine output
👉 Foamy urine
👉 Blood in the urine
👉 Swelling around the eyes or face
👉 Persistent fatigue
👉 Loss of appetite
👉 Shortness of breath
👉 High blood pressure
These symptoms may indicate kidney disease or another serious medical condition and should be evaluated by a doctor.
🔷 Who Is at Higher Risk?
Certain groups of people are more likely to develop kidney disease, including:
👉 People with diabetes
👉 Individuals with high blood pressure
👉 Those who are overweight or obese
👉 Adults over the age of 60
👉 People with a family history of kidney disease
Regular health check-ups are especially important for these high-risk groups.
🔷 How Is Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
If a doctor suspects kidney disease, they may recommend one or more of the following tests:
👉 Serum Creatinine
👉 Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
👉 Urine Routine and Urine Albumin Test
👉 Blood Pressure Measurement
👉 Kidney Ultrasound (if necessary)
These tests help assess kidney function and determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.
🔷 Does Every Swollen Foot Mean Kidney Disease?
No. Swelling in the feet does not always indicate kidney disease.
Other possible causes include:
👉 Standing or sitting for extended periods
👉 Chronic venous insufficiency
👉 Heart disease
👉 Liver disease
👉 Thyroid disorders
👉 Side effects of certain medications
A proper medical evaluation is necessary to identify the exact cause.
🔷 Tips to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
👉 Stay adequately hydrated, as advised by your doctor.
👉 Reduce excessive salt intake.
👉 Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar under control.
👉 Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
👉 Do not use painkillers (NSAIDs) regularly without medical supervision.
👉 Exercise regularly.
👉 Get routine health check-ups, especially if you have risk factors for kidney disease.
Swelling in the feet or ankles during the evening should not always be dismissed as simple fatigue. While it can result from harmless causes, persistent or recurring swelling may be an early sign of kidney disease or another medical condition. If the swelling is accompanied by changes in urination, facial swelling, shortness of breath, or high blood pressure, seek medical attention without delay. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can help prevent serious kidney complications and improve long-term health outcomes.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you experience persistent swelling or any concerning symptoms, consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
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