Why? Because a weakened liver can disrupt blood circulation and cause portal hypertension, an abnormally high pressure in the veins that supply the liver. As a result, your feet become silent witnesses to a more widespread imbalance.
Persistent itching: a message from the liver
Itching of the feet, sometimes intense and without a visible rash, can be a sign of excess bile in the body. This occurs particularly when the bile ducts are blocked or damaged, as in certain cholestatic liver diseases.
If these itches often appear at night, or for no apparent reason, it warrants a brief evaluation.
Tingling, numbness… what if it's neurological?
Another, rarer but equally telling symptom is paresthesia: a tingling or numb sensation in the feet. In some cases, it can be linked to peripheral neuropathy, sometimes triggered by advanced liver disease or disorders related to hepatitis.
Again, no need for excessive worry, but it's a good idea to talk to your doctor if these sensations are frequent or worsen.
