If you’re having problems with your kidneys, your doctor may have warned you about some of the common signs of kidney disease, such as fatigue, swelling, or changes in your bathroom habits. But what if you start feeling pain or discomfort in places you wouldn’t expect, like your shoulder?

Shoulder pain isn’t a common symptom of kidney problems, but it’s possible that the two could be related. In some cases, shoulder pain may be directly linked to your kidneys or certain kidney disease treatments you’re taking. It could also be due to something else entirely, like an injury or unrelated health condition. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why shoulder pain might happen in kidney disease and when it might warrant a visit to your nephrologist (kidney specialist).

How Kidney Disease Affects the Body

Your kidneys are two fist-sized, bean-shaped organs situated on either side of the spine just under the rib cage toward the back of the body. Their main job is to filter the blood by removing extra fluid, waste, and toxins. They also play an important role in maintaining proper blood pressure and bone health by balancing minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

When the kidneys get damaged, waste can build up in your blood and cause problems in other parts of the body. This can lead to symptoms like swelling, tiredness, muscle cramps, nausea, or trouble thinking clearly. You may also notice changes in how often you pee or what your urine looks like.

Can Kidney Disease Cause Shoulder Pain?

Sometimes, if the kidneys are affected by certain conditions that cause damage and compromised function, it can also lead to pain. Pain from kidney disease, also called renal pain, is usually felt around the area where the kidneys are located — just under the rib cage, on the sides, and the lower or upper back — or can travel to the belly and groin. The most likely causes of kidney pain are kidney stones, infections, cysts (fluid-filled sacs), or blockages in the urinary system.

In rare cases, kidney-related problems — like nerve damage, bone changes, or mineral imbalances — may also cause shoulder pain. There’s not much research or evidence on this topic. A lot of what we know comes from case reports about individual people having this experience. For example, one woman with chronic kidney disease reported feeling severe pain and stiffness in both shoulders, a condition also called frozen shoulder. Her blood tests revealed high levels of phosphate (a mineral), and her scans showed calcium deposits in her spine and shoulders.

Sometimes, certain kidney disease treatments can actually contribute to other symptoms, like shoulder pain. People on long-term hemodialysis (machine-assisted blood filtration), for example, can develop shoulder pain. Doctors don’t know exactly why this happens. However, rotator cuff injuries, tendon problems, or even bone weakness may be part of the problem. Accumulation of certain proteins called amyloid proteins in the joints can also cause shoulder pain in such cases.

Rare Kidney Diseases and Shoulder Pain

In many people, chronic kidney disease arises from common causes, like diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure). Others, however, have rare kidney diseases, which can be harder to diagnose and treat. When rare kidney diseases progress, they can also cause symptoms in other systems of the body outside the kidneys. Mineral imbalances caused by kidney dysfunction can affect your bones, joints, and nerves, sometimes leading to muscle and joint pain (also called musculoskeletal pain).

C3 Glomerulopathy

C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare disease that affects the tiny filters of the kidney, known as the glomeruli. This condition causes a part of the immune system called the complement system to become overactive, damaging kidney tissues. Buildup of a complement protein called C3 leads to inflammation and scarring inside the kidneys.

Pain isn’t a common symptom of C3G early on. However, as the disease progresses, it can lead to problems with bone health and anemia (low blood cell counts). These issues may contribute to muscle aches, joint stiffness, or unusual pain, including pain in the shoulder.

Immune Complex MPGN

Immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) is another rare kidney disease. Like C3G, it also causes damage through immune system activity. Abnormal immune complexes (clusters of proteins) get stuck in the kidney’s filters, leading to inflammation.

In serious cases, IC-MPGN can cause rare kidney disease symptoms, like calcifications. This is where calcium builds up in soft tissues like the shoulders or spine. This complication is rare. However, when it does happen, it can cause pain and limit movement.

Other Causes of Shoulder Pain

Most of the time, shoulder pain isn’t caused by problems with your kidneys. It usually comes from something going on in the shoulder itself, which consists of bones, muscles, and joints. One of the most common causes is osteoarthritis. This happens when the cartilage in your joints wears down over time. It can make your shoulder feel stiff, sore, or hard to move. Other common causes of shoulder pain include:

• Tendinitis — Swelling of a tendon, often from using it too much
• Bursitis — Inflammation of a small, fluid-filled sac that helps your joint move smoothly
• Rotator cuff injuries — Tears or strains in the muscles around your shoulder
• Dislocation or fractures from an injury — Often from a fall or an accident
• Poor posture — Sitting or standing the wrong way for long periods can add unnecessary strain

Sometimes, shoulder pain doesn’t come from the shoulder at all. When this happens, it’s called referred pain. It means pain is felt in one area, but it’s actually coming from somewhere else. Referred shoulder pain can actually be a sign of problems in other organs, like the liver, lungs, or heart. It may or may not move to other body parts or change with movement. Sometimes, referred pain in the shoulder or left arm can be a sign of a heart attack. If you have shoulder pain with other symptoms like chest pain, fever, or shortness of breath, seek emergency medical attention right away.

Ways To Manage Shoulder Pain

Whether your shoulder pain is caused by kidney problems or something else, there are steps you can take to feel better.

1. Rest Your Shoulder

If you think the pain began after lifting or overuse, start with rest. Give your shoulder time to heal on its own, and try to avoid activities that make the pain worse.

2. Use Ice or Heat

If there’s swelling around the shoulder, ice packs can help. Place a cold ice pack on your shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes per day. For stiffness or tenseness, using a heating pad for brief periods may also help relieve the discomfort.

3. Try Stretching

Gentle stretching or simple exercises can also help keep your shoulder from getting too tight. For best results, experts recommend doing a few exercises consistently every day for a few weeks. Talk to your healthcare team if you need help. They can recommend exercises to try or refer you to a physical therapist.

4. Consider Pain Medicine

Pain relievers, like acetaminophen, can also help. However, if you have chronic kidney disease, talk to your doctor before taking any medicine. Some drugs, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can be risky for people with kidney disease.

5. Talk to Your Doctor

Any new or worsening pain — especially if it comes with other symptoms like swelling, fever, or changes in urination — should be shared with your healthcare team. This includes your nephrologist, who can help you understand if the pain is related to your kidneys or something else.

Even if the pain seems minor, it’s OK to ask questions or speak up. Seeking care earlier can prevent bigger problems from cropping up later. Your doctor may recommend tests or treatment adjustments or suggest you see a specialist who can take a closer look at your shoulder and overall health.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyKidneyDiseaseTeam is the social network for people with kidney disease and their loved ones. On MyKidneyDiseaseTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with kidney disease.

Are you living with shoulder pain and kidney disease? What treatments have helped you manage both conditions? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.