Symptom 5: Swelling in Legs and Ankles: A Visible Sign of an Invisible Problem
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Liver damage can often lead to the accumulation of fluid in the body, resulting in swelling, particularly in the legs and ankles. This condition, known as peripheral edema, can be a visible sign of an underlying liver problem.
When the liver is unable to function properly, it may struggle to produce enough albumin, a protein responsible for maintaining fluid balance in the body. As a result, fluid can accumulate in the tissues, leading to swelling in the lower extremities.
The swelling may be more noticeable at the end of the day or after prolonged periods of standing or sitting. Pressing on the swollen area with a finger may leave an indentation, a characteristic known as pitting edema.(5)
