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Life Tips 08/07/2025 08:34

Your feet can reveal liver damage: 7 warning signs to look for.

7 signs of liver damage seen in the feet

How to Recognize If You Have Fatty Liver Disease
Your body often communicates when something is wrong, but its signals can be subtle, especially when the liver is struggling. The liver performs over 500 essential functions, such as detoxifying the body, metabolizing fats, and maintaining hormone balance. But when it faces trouble, its early signs can be easy to overlook. One place you might notice trouble first is in your feet.
Feet-related changes, often dismissed as minor issues like uncomfortable shoes or standing too long, can sometimes be a reflection of deeper internal health concerns, particularly with the liver. Below are seven signs related to the liver that can appear in your feet, as highlighted by Dr. Eric Berg.
Red or Brown Spots on the Lower Legs
You might think tiny red or brown dots on your lower legs are just skin blemishes, but in some cases, they could be signs of petechiae or hemosiderin staining, which indicate blood leakage beneath the skin.
The liver’s reduced ability to produce clotting proteins can impact blood’s ability to clot, leading to broken capillaries. This is especially common in the lower legs where gravity causes blood to pool. Cirrhosis and chronic venous insufficiency are potential causes for this blood leakage.
Spider Veins on the Ankles and Feet
Spider veins are small, web-like blood vessels that often appear just beneath the skin, commonly on the ankles and feet.
In liver cirrhosis, estrogen metabolism is altered, causing blood vessels to expand and creating a higher likelihood of spider veins. While spider veins may seem like a cosmetic issue, they can indicate a deeper, vascular problem linked to liver dysfunction.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are often written off as a result of dry skin or inadequate foot care. However, they might indicate a more significant issue.
Liver damage can impact the body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to dry, thick skin, particularly around the heels. This is the body’s subtle way of signaling problems with nutrient absorption.
Burning or Hot Feet
A burning sensation or heat in the soles of your feet at night isn’t always due to fatigue or neuropathy.
In cases of advanced liver damage, particularly with alcohol-related liver disease, peripheral neuropathy can occur. This type of nerve damage can cause a burning or tingling feeling in the feet. Additionally, high levels of ammonia in the blood (due to the liver’s inability to detoxify properly) can irritate the nerves.
Unpleasant Foot Odor
Foot odor is typically linked to bacteria and sweat. However, when the liver is struggling, it may be more than just poor hygiene.
When the liver fails to process toxins effectively, these waste products can exit the body through sweat glands, including those in the feet. Along with changes in metabolism and hormones, this can cause an unusually strong foot odor that doesn’t improve with regular cleaning.
Pitting Edema
If you press your finger into a swollen area on the top of your foot or ankle and notice that a dent remains for a few seconds, this is called pitting edema.
Liver damage, especially cirrhosis, can cause a drop in albumin levels in the blood. Since albumin helps maintain fluid balance, low levels can lead to fluid leaking into surrounding tissues, which is often first seen in the feet and ankles. This is a classic sign of advanced liver dysfunction that should not be ignored.
Toenail Fungal Infections
Yellow, thick, or crumbly toenails are typically associated with fungal infections, often blamed on tight shoes or communal spaces like locker rooms. But the liver could also be a factor.
A weakened liver can impair the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. When the immune response slows, fungal infections are more likely to take hold, especially in the warm, moist environment around the toenails. This could indicate the body’s decreasing ability to defend itself.
Consult a Doctor
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Early detection is key to managing liver health, so don’t ignore these potential signs of liver dysfunction.
Diet and Lifestyle
To help support liver health, focus on a balanced, nutritious diet and avoid alcohol and fatty foods. Regular exercise and staying hydrated can also contribute to liver wellness. Don't ignore any warning signs—your liver deserves attention too.

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