One of the functions of the kidneys is to help make the bones strong and healthy by maintaining the proper levels of substances such as calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D. Kidney failure leads to abnormal levels of these substances and to renal bone disease, a condition that weakens the bones in the body.

Without treatment, renal bone disease can lead to pain in the bones, especially in the back, hips, legs, and knees. The weakened bones also become increasingly at risk of fracture.

Fortunately, early recognition and treatment of renal bone disease means that bone pain and fractures are now not common in kidney patients.

Blood tests can detect abnormal levels of calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D very early in patients with kidney failure. The calcium and vitamin D levels will be too low, while the phosphate level will be too high.

Bone pain can also be caused in patients with kidney failure by a complication of dialysis called amyloidosis.