Aching legs can sometimes be a surprising symptom, and while not a primary sign of a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), a connection can exist. This article explores how a kidney infection might cause leg discomfort, outlines common symptoms, and provides guidance on when to seek medical attention, along with an overview of diagnosis and treatment.
How Kidney Infections Cause Leg Pain
A kidney infection can lead to pain that radiates to areas like the legs, primarily through a phenomenon known as referred pain. The kidneys are located in the upper abdomen, near the lower back, and share nerve pathways with other parts of the body, including the flank, groin, and sometimes the upper thigh or legs. When the kidneys become inflamed or infected, the brain may interpret these pain signals as originating from a different, more distant location along the same nerve pathway.
Inflammation and swelling from a bacterial infection can irritate nearby nerves. This irritation causes discomfort that extends beyond the kidney area, traveling towards the leg or groin. The close anatomical proximity of the kidneys to nerves supplying the lower back and upper legs contributes to this referred sensation.
The pain and discomfort of a kidney infection can also lead to muscle tension or spasms in the abdominal and lower back. These tightened muscles can contribute to aching or discomfort radiating into the legs. The body’s systemic response to infection, including general body aches, may also play a role.
Common Symptoms of a Kidney Infection
While leg pain can occur, it is not among the most common or direct indicators of a kidney infection. Pyelonephritis presents with a range of characteristic symptoms that often appear suddenly. These frequently include a high fever and chills, which signal a systemic infection within the body.
Individuals often experience pain in their lower back, side (flank), or groin, which can be constant or sharp. Nausea and vomiting are also common, contributing to a general feeling of being unwell. Urinary symptoms are also prevalent, such as frequent and urgent urination, a burning sensation or pain during urination, and urine that appears cloudy or has a foul odor.
Blood may sometimes be visible in the urine. These symptoms indicate an infection has ascended to the kidneys. Recognizing these signs is important for prompt identification and treatment.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
Seek urgent medical attention if a kidney infection is suspected, as delaying care can lead to serious complications. This is particularly important if you experience aching legs, fever, chills, severe back or flank pain, painful urination, or persistent nausea and vomiting.
Immediate medical evaluation is needed if you are unable to keep fluids down, or if you develop signs of confusion or altered mental status. Certain individuals are at higher risk for complications, including pregnant individuals, those with a weakened immune system, or people with a history of kidney problems. For these groups, a kidney infection can more quickly lead to serious conditions like sepsis, where the infection spreads to the bloodstream.
Contact a healthcare provider or seek emergency care if your symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening. Early intervention can prevent lasting kidney damage or the infection spreading throughout the body.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
Diagnosis of a kidney infection begins with a review of symptoms and a physical examination. Healthcare providers request a urine sample for analysis. A urinalysis can detect signs of infection, such as white blood cells, nitrites, or blood in the urine.
A urine culture is often performed to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection and determine which antibiotics will be most effective. Blood tests may also be conducted to check for signs of infection or to assess kidney function. In more complex cases, or if there is concern about an obstruction or other kidney issues, imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan might be used to get a clearer view of the kidneys and urinary tract.
Treatment for a kidney infection primarily involves antibiotics. The type and duration of antibiotics prescribed depend on the specific bacteria identified and infection severity, usually lasting 7 to 14 days. It is important to complete the entire course, even if symptoms improve quickly, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.
Supportive care measures also play an important role, including drinking plenty of fluids to flush bacteria from the urinary system and taking pain relievers like acetaminophen to manage discomfort and fever. In severe cases, or if the infection is not responding to oral antibiotics, hospitalization may be necessary. During hospitalization, antibiotics and fluids are often administered intravenously, allowing for faster delivery and closer monitoring of the patient’s condition.