腎臟好不好，腿可能先告訴你！5秒鐘自我檢測

Key Wellness / Health Strategies (Kidney Self-Check + What to Watch)

Don’t assume back pain = kidney problem

• Chronic kidney disease often causes no back pain.
• Pain is more typical only in acute situations, such as:
  • severe inflammation
  • swelling
  • a ureter blockage causing pressure buildup

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The “5 Warning Signs” on the Feet / Lower Limbs

1. Sock indentations / swelling

   • Deep ankle sock marks that don’t fade after 30–60 minutes.
   • Shoes feel tight in the afternoon/evening as fluid builds up.
   • Possible link: edema from reduced kidney ability to remove excess water/salt and/or protein loss affecting fluid balance.

2. Nighttime leg cramps

   • Cramps that persist despite trying general supplements (e.g., calcium/magnesium).
   • Possible link: kidney-driven electrolyte imbalance (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium), especially affecting calves.

3. Restless legs syndrome-like discomfort

   • Uncomfortable sensations at night (e.g., “ants crawling”/air trapped).
   • Relief only comes by moving/walking, but returns when lying back down.
   • Possible link: higher prevalence in kidney disease; may relate to kidney-related physiology plus iron/nerve factors.

4. Unexplained itching (uremic pruritus)

   • Itch over the entire lower leg or even back, with skin often appearing normal.
   • Often worse at night; creams may not help.
   • Possible link: buildup of metabolic waste irritates nerves when kidney clearance declines.

5. Slow-healing wounds on the foot

   • Small wounds that take weeks or keep recurring.
   • Especially important if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.
   • Possible link: diabetes/hypertension can affect blood vessels and nerves alongside kidneys.

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The 5-Second Seated Self-Test for Edema (Pitting Edema)

How to do it

1. Sit down and pull up your pant leg.
2. Find the hard bone (tibia) at the front of the lower leg.
3. Press your thumb firmly on the fleshy area next to the bone for count to 5.
4. Release and observe how long the indentation lasts.

What it means

• Normal: the area “bounces back” quickly with no lingering mark.
• Concerning: a lingering indentation for 3–10 seconds = pitting edema.
• One leg only: more likely a local circulation/venous return issue.
• Both legs or puffy eyelids in the morning: get checked for causes (not only kidneys—could include heart/liver/medications/vascular issues).

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What to Do at Your Next Check-Up (Action Steps)

• Review trends, not just one result

  • Don’t focus only on the current eGFR value; check the long-term trend.

• Urine tests matter alongside blood tests

  • Ask for/confirm a urine test such as urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR).
  • Reason: albumin may appear in urine before kidney function drops significantly, giving earlier clues.

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Key Self-Care Caution

• Don’t rely on random supplements/folk remedies when symptoms suggest kidney issues (especially for cramps/itching).
• If you have these warning signs or pitting edema, get kidney function checked rather than guessing.

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Presenters / Sources

• Dr. Kuan (nephrologist; the speaker)