low creatinine level despite significant kidney dysfunction.
Conversely, someone with greater muscle mass may naturally produce more creatinine.
That’s why clinicians don’t interpret creatinine in isolation. They consider it alongside estimated kidney function, medical history and other laboratory information.
## Why Chronic Kidney Disease Can Affect Muscles
Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, involves persistent abnormalities in kidney structure or function.
As CKD progresses, the internal environment of the body can change.
Several factors can contribute to muscle problems.
These include:
– Metabolic waste accumulation
– Inflammation
– Hormonal changes
– Acid-base disturbances
– Electrolyte abnormalities
– Anemia
– Reduced appetite
– Poor nutritional intake
– Reduced physical activity
– Changes in protein metabolism
– Hormonal resistance
– Mineral and bone disorders
Together, these factors can create an environment in which muscle tissue is harder to maintain.
A person may gradually lose strength even without realizing that kidney disease is contributing to the problem.
