How Kidney Disease Affects Bones: The Pathophysiology of Renal Osteodystrophy
Did you know that your kidneys do a lot more than just filter waste from your body? They’re silently keeping your bones strong, too! But what happens when your kidneys stop doing their job properly? If you’re living with kidney disease, you might already feel aches, pains or weakness in your bones and joints, and no, it’s not just “old age.” It could be something far more complicated and serious. Welcome to the world of renal osteodystrophy, a hidden consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that most people have never even heard of. Let’s simplify the science, answer the most googled questions, and discover how to protect your bones while managing kidney disease. What is renal osteodystrophy and why should I care? Renal osteodystrophy is a fancy term for bone disease that happens when your kidneys aren’t working well. The kidneys play a big role in keeping your calcium and phosphate levels balanced, minerals that are crucial for healthy bones. When kidneys fail, this balance goes ha...