Wednesday, April 8, 2026 by Dr T. N. Kunene Podiatrist

 

The Liver–Foot Connection.

When we think of hepatitis, we often picture a sick liver, but the signs can reach much farther.

The liver plays a vital role in filtering toxins, balancing hormones and regulating fluid in the body. When it becomes inflamed or damaged (as in hepatitis A, B, C or other types), the effects can show up in surprising places, including your feet and ankles.  Your feet may be the first part of the body to reveal early clues of liver disease.

Swollen feet and ankles

One of the most common foot signs of liver disease is swelling.

When the liver is damaged, it produces less of a protein called albumin, which helps keep fluid inside blood vessels. Without enough of it, fluid leaks into tissues — especially in the lower legs and feet.

This condition is called edema. It makes your shoes feel tight and leaves a lasting indentation when you press on your skin. People often notice this in the evening after standing all day.

Itchy soles and dry skin

In many liver conditions, including hepatitis, bile may not flow properly through the liver. When bile salts build up in the bloodstream, they can cause intense itching, often starting on the palms and soles.

This itching (called cholestatic pruritus) may seem harmless, but can be severe, affecting sleep and quality of life. Scratching the feet may lead to dryness, breaks in the skin or infection if not managed.

Burning or numbness: Liver-linked nerve damage

Some people with chronic hepatitis, especially hepatitis C, experience nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy).

This can cause burning, tingling or numbness in the feet.

When the liver can’t properly filter toxins, they can irritate and damage nerves. Additionally, vitamin and mineral deficiencies common in advanced liver disease can make the symptoms worse.  Over time, this may affect balance, walking and foot sensitivity, putting patients at risk for unnoticed injuries.

 Yellowing and discolouration

 If the skin or eyes start turning yellow, it’s a sign of jaundice — caused by the build-up of bilirubin, a yellow pigment normally cleared by the liver.

Sometimes, the soles of the feet can appear yellow or even bronze. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue, it signals that the liver is struggling and needs immediate medical evaluation.

When to seek medical help

If you notice:

• Unexplained swelling in your feet or ankles
• Persistent itching or burning in your soles
• Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation
• Unusual yellowing or discolouration
• Skin lesions that don’t heal.

These may be signs of liver disease or other underlying health issues that need medical attention. See your doctor and your podiatrist.

How to protect your liver and your feet

• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B if recommended
• Avoid excessive alcohol use
• Eat a balanced diet low in processed fats and sugar
• Stay physically active
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol
• Seek medical advice early if you notice symptoms in your feet

Hepatitis itself doesn’t always directly affect the feet, but advanced liver damage can lead to fluid retention, skin itching, nerve damage and vascular changes that manifest in the lower limbs. Foot symptoms like swelling, itching, numbness and yellowing can be clues that the liver is not functioning well. These symptoms should not be ignored, especially in someone known to have liver disease, they may indicate complications that require medical attention.

 Your liver and your feet are more connected than you might think.

Swelling, itching, numbness or discolouration could all be early clues that your liver needs help.

So, the next time your feet feel ‘off,’ don’t just blame your shoes, it might be your liver trying to get your attention.