Why do I have cold feet, back pain, and low urine?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing cold feet for two days. There is a bit of pain in my lower back, but it is manageable, not extreme. And I have less urine output just this morning. I do not have swelling or pain on urination. I had kidney stones 13 years ago.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

Based on your symptoms, the most likely possibilities are mild dehydration or reduced fluid intake; a urinary tract issue, including possible kidney irritation or a stone; or, less commonly, poor circulation causing the cold feet.

Because you have lower urine output, lower back pain, and a history of kidney stones, I would want to rule out a urinary blockage or early kidney or urinary tract problem first. Reduced urine output can happen with dehydration, but it can also happen if a stone is partly blocking urine flow.

I will give you a detailed view of the causes. You can read below regarding the causes related to your condition.

The most common cause is mild dehydration or low fluid intake. If you drank less water than usual, especially in hot weather, urine output can drop, and your feet may feel colder from poor circulation.
Your previous history makes a kidney stone or urinary blockage a consideration. Stones can cause back or side pain and reduced urine flow. Sometimes the pain is not severe at first.
Even without burning urine, early urinary or kidney infections can sometimes present with back pain and urine changes.
Cold feet by themselves are often from a cold environment, stress, or circulation changes, but when it happens with less urine output, I pay more attention to hydration and kidney causes.

To overcome this, you should follow some steps. These steps are as follows:

You should drink two to three glasses of water over the next one to two hours.
Check whether your urine output improves.
Keep your feet warm with socks or a blanket.
Monitor whether pain moves to the side, flank, or groin (more suggestive of a stone).

There are some signs that you should not ignore. If you notice the following signs, please seek urgent care today.

If you pass very little or no urine for six to eight hours.
If your pain is severe or on one side.
If you get a fever or chills.
If you have nausea or vomiting.
If you notice blood in your urine.
If you have swelling of the feet or face.
If you have dizziness or weakness.

Those would need the same-day urine tests and kidney function tests.

Dehydration is possible, but because of your stone history, I would not ignore it if the low urine continues through today.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.