Hello.I have swollen feet, hands and face..I dont use salt and, I try and drink water at least 3 bottles a day..I cup of coffee in the morning. I recenty had a fall at work that sprained my ankle, hip, shoulder, lower back, clavical and right hand. I have been off work now for 4months. I have had 2 mris one on my ankle the other on my lower lumbar. both were negative. I am having hand surgery on my right thumb and wrist..It is hard for me to walk since my feet hurt and, the most dificult of all is standing for longer than 20 minutes since it hurts my lower back. I know I have gained at least 15lbs in the past 4months and, I do not eat salt. although I know there are lots of foods that have alot of sodium in them already so, I do not salt my food at all. I am soon going to be 65 yrs old and, I think I am retaining water since that may be te cause of my feet being swollen along with my hands and face. Is this a sign of kidney problems????
Hello, Thanks for the query to Chat Doctor.  Forum. No doubt restriction of salt (sodium) helps in edema, but edema (swelling) depends upon kidney function tests. If glomerular infiltration rate is not good fluid will accumulate. In your case retention of fluid may be due to, 1 abnormality in kidney functions, so please get in ultrasound of both kidneys including serum creatinine level with blood urea .2 reason may be due to hypoproteinaemis (less amount of protein) so get in blood for protein and urine examination. 3rd reason may be anemia. Blood for calcium is also important . Consult a nephrologist and get his opinion. Good luck. 