You might not expect your legs to reveal what’s happening in your liver—but when this vital organ starts to struggle, it often sends distress signals far beyond the abdomen. Because the liver filters toxins, regulates fluids, and produces proteins essential for circulation, liver dysfunction can show up as swelling, itching, or pain in your legs—long before classic symptoms like jaundice appear.
If your legs feel unusually heavy, swollen, achy, or itchy—especially if you have risk factors like heavy alcohol use, obesity, hepatitis, or a history of fatty liver—these could be red flags your liver needs attention.
🔴 5 Leg-Related Warning Signs of Liver Trouble
1. Swelling in the Ankles, Feet, or Lower Legs (Edema)
- Why it happens: A failing liver produces less albumin, a protein that keeps fluid in your bloodstream. Without enough, fluid leaks into tissues—especially in the legs due to gravity.
- What it looks like: Pitting edema (press your finger in—dimple stays for seconds), tight shoes, or socks leaving deep marks.
- Often paired with: Abdominal swelling (ascites).
2. Intense, Unrelenting Itching (Pruritus)
