👣 12 Subtle Signs Your Feet Could Be Warning You About Liver Problems

Why the Liver Matters for Overall Health

Before exploring the foot-related signs, it’s helpful to understand the role of the liver. This organ has over 500 functions, but some of its most important include:

• Filtering toxins: The liver removes waste products, alcohol, and medications from the bloodstream.
• Producing bile: Bile helps break down fats and supports digestion.
• Storing nutrients: It stores  vitamins, minerals, and glycogen for energy.
• Balancing proteins and hormones: The liver makes proteins such as albumin and helps regulate hormone levels.

When the liver is overworked or damaged, its efficiency drops. That’s when early warning signals—sometimes visible in the feet—can appear.

1. 🌊 Swollen Feet or Ankles

Mild to moderate swelling in your feet or ankles is often linked to fluid retention. One reason this happens is because the liver may not be making enough albumin, a protein that helps keep fluids from leaking out of blood vessels. Without sufficient albumin, fluid tends to pool in the lower body due to gravity, leading to swollen ankles and feet.

While swelling can also result from standing too long or eating salty foods, persistent swelling should not be ignored, as it may point to liver-related issues.