Long-term use of pain killers can damage kidneys. The threat is even greater in high-risk individuals such as the elderly, diabetics and high blood pressure patients who should instead switch to paracetamol or opioids for pain control.  Not many people realize it, but long-term use of analgesics (pain killers) can lead to a condition called analgesic neuropathy which causes kidney damage.

Pain killers don’t harm the kidneys in health individuals if taken occasionally. However, taking them too often for a prolonged period, especially as a combination of drugs, can cause severe kidney damage. The threat is even greater in high-risk individuals such as the elderly, diabetics and patients of high blood pressure. Their kidneys can get damaged with even occasional use of pain killers.

Many analgesics are sold without prescription for reducing pain and inflammation. These include Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen. A combination of drugs, including aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine, are also easily available and commonly taken by patients for chronic headaches and backaches.

Pain killers can lead to kidney damage in many ways. Most patients present themselves with acute rise in creatinine levels, known as Acute kidney Injury. There can also be worsening of pre-existing Chronic Kidney Disease in terms of rise in creatinine levels. Pain killers can also cause a rise in potassium levels in the body. Most patients remain asymptomatic in early stages of kidney disease and the raised creatinine is an incidental finding. However, in advanced forms of the disease, there can be breathlessness, vomiting, loss of appetite and swelling all over body.

Prevention is always better than cure, so a judicious use of pain killers is advised. These should be taken if absolutely necessary. Patients with known kidney disease or those at risk of kidney disease such as like elderly and diabetics should avoid pain killers totally. They should instead switch to paracetamol or opioids for pain control. If you are taking pain killers regularly and find that your creatinine level is raised, discontinue their use and see a nephrologist immediately.

Dr. Manju Aggarwal

Chief – Medical Services & Chairperson – Nephrology

Artemis Hospital in Gurugram

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Pain in the legs or muscle cramps are usually ignored or shrugged off without a second thought. If the pain persists for a longer time then one normally chooses the easily available solutions like massages, icepacks, balms or even pain killers. Although, the muscle cramp or leg pain is common among people who are involved in stressful physical activities or sports, it usually gets overlooked. Few may visit the doctor when the discomfort increases or the pain becomes unbearable.

Leg pain, muscle pull or swelling in the leg can be an indicator of more serious underlying vein problems – DVT or deep vein thrombosis. DVT can be life-threatening if it is not detected and treated in the initial stage.

What is DVT?

DVT refers to clots that form deep inside your veins – usually the veins in th leg.  These clots can cause pain and other symptoms; but if they break free, they can travel through your bloodstream to the arteries near the heart and lungs and can block critical blood flow. While DVT can occur in other parts of the body, it is most likely to happen in the lower legs, thighs and pelvis.

Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Not everyone with DVT shows up symptoms. But here are some of the signs one might notice:

• Persons with DVT show enlarged veins.
• Sudden swelling of legs or arms.
• Skin over the affected area might turn blue or red.
• The skin on the affected area might feel warmer than the other areas.
• When you get ready to stand and walk, you can feel pain or soreness.
• Prolonged pain or muscle pull.

In most of the cases people may not realize that they have DVT until they face a more serious condition like Pulmonary Embolism wherein blood clot breaks free, moves through the bloodstream and ending up in a blood vessel of the lungs. This can be fatal and some of the signs of pulmonary embolism are high heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath and coughing up blood.

What causes DVT? 

– Sitting for long hours

– Pregnancy

– Obesity

– Varicose veins

– Trauma or bone fracture

– Cancer

– Birth control pills

– Surgery in the hip, abdomen or leg

Difference between muscle cramp and DVT:

How is DVT treated?

Treatment involves the prevention of blood clots from getting bigger and breaking away and progressing towards the lungs.  The risk of DVT can be reduced by simple lifestyle modifications.

1. When at office or while traveling, ensure that you do not sit for long hours.

2. Take frequent breaks every two hours and stretch your lower leg muscles.

3. Avoid tight fitting clothes.

4. Be active and exercise regularly and

5. Don’t miss your routine health check-up.

Dr. Narendra Kumar Reddy G
Senior Consultant – Vascular Surgery
Columbia Asia Hospital Whitefield

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