At Flowell, we are committed to alleviating the discomfort of water retention in the legs through innovative solutions and compassionate care. Many people suffer from water retention in the legs, and this problem affects almost everyone. Water retention is a relatively common problem that mainly affects women. It can lead to an uncomfortable feeling of heaviness, swelling and cellulite, as well as fluid retention in the legs, thighs and buttocks. In this article, you will learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of this problem.
In peripheral edema, the tissue in the legs and ankles swells because water or fluid has accumulated. Legs, calves and even thighs can be affected by the swelling, which is not painful. Swelling is particularly noticeable in the lower extremities of the body due to gravity.
Symptoms of Water Retention:
There are simple lifestyle changes you can make to relieve fluid retention in the legs or edema in the legs. For example: exercise, elevation, massage, compression, protection and reducing salt intake. If you notice swelling in your legs, this could be due to water retention or edema. Edema is the result of swelling in the legs, usually in the ankles, and leads to inflammation and pain. If there is no obvious reason for water retention in the legs, it may be a much more serious problem. You should therefore know what causes oedema and what treatment options are available.
What causes water retention in the legs?
There are a number of reasons why water may be retained, including
- Physical inactivity: a certain amount of physical activity regulates the fluid balance of the lymphatic system. An exercise program that prevents edema can be helpful for people who stand and sit a lot. A short walk or a few minutes of leg exercise can prevent fluid retention. Health problems that lead to fluid retention can be exacerbated by physical inactivity.
- Kidney problems: Normally, the kidneys filter excess fluid and waste from the body. It is possible for kidney problems to cause water retention without a visible cause. A kidney problem could lead to edema. If you are unsure, consult your doctor to rule out serious causes).
- Heart problems: It's especially important to look out for signs of heart problems if you have other symptoms besides edema, such as pain and difficulty breathing. Water retention can also be caused by some blood pressure medications, as high blood pressure causes the heart to pump too much. Congestive heart failure often causes water retention. In decompensated heart failure Less blood in the kidneys causes fluid and water retention, which leads to swollen ankles, legs, abdomen (so-called edema) and weight gain.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the weight of the baby can lead to fluid retention in the uterus, causing water retention in the legs. This disappears as soon as the baby is born, which is good news.
- Diet: a lack of protein in the diet, too much salt in the diet or a lack of certain vitamins such as B1, B5 and B6 can lead to fluid retention in the legs. Vegans, vegetarians and people who eat a low-fat diet have a higher risk of developing edema if they consume certain diets.
- Medications: Estrogen-containing medications, birth control pills and hormone replacement therapies can cause water retention. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, naproxen sodium (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil) are helpful in relieving pain, but can cause water retention if taken in high doses. Beta-blockers, which are prescribed to treat heart problems, can also cause edema when taken.
- Premenstrual: In the second half of the menstrual cycle, many women experience water retention. The reason for this is an imbalance of oestrogen.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can cause a person to retain water. Inflammation releases histamine, which causes capillaries to leak, leading to long-term water retention. Inflammation can also cause other health problems such as arthritis and gout.
- Other health conditions: There are several other health problems that can lead to water retention, such as allergic reactions, liver scarring, infections and thyroid disease.
How can you relieve water retention in your legs?
If you sit or stand for long periods of time or take a plane or car ride, you may experience water retention. Increase your fluid intake and probably exercise to alleviate it. Below are some ways to relieve water retention in the legs:
- Drink plenty of water: drinking enough water is one of the most important factors in preventing water retention. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day can flush the body and eliminate edema.
- Taking diuretic medication: Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, help to rid your body of salt (sodium) and water. Most of these medicines help your kidneys to release more sodium into your urine. The sodium helps to remove water from your blood, reducing the amount of fluid flowing through your veins and arteries. Your pharmacist or doctor should be able to recommend an appropriate product for you.
- Eat healthier: Eating foods high in B vitamins, such as spinach and kale, and whole grains can help limit water retention. Antioxidants in fresh fruit and berries can also help the body to eliminate excess fluid naturally.
- Don't lie flat: To prevent retention from worsening, keep your ankles and knees elevated when sleeping or resting.
- Wear support stockings: Prolonged standing can lead to poor circulation, which can be improved with support stockings. These are usually available in most drugstores.
- Apply cold compresses: Place ice cubes in a zippered sandwich bag and place this ice bag on the swelling area caused by the sprain or strain to reduce swelling. Wet compresses can be too hard on the skin. Wrap the ice pack with a napkin, towel or T-shirt. Dry ice compresses allow the ice to affect deeper body tissues than wet compresses.
- Eat foods with diuretic properties: A number of foods are natural diuretics that cause the body to flush out excess water, such as celery, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, carrots, asparagus and cucumbers. A diet rich in these substances and low in meat and fat can reduce water retention.
- Be careful what you drink: drinking alcohol, soda, coffee or tea can worsen fluid retention. You can prevent fluid retention in your legs by replacing these drinks with water.
- Get enough exercise: Regular exercise and activity can help reduce water retention. At least 30 minutes of exercise and two to three hours of exercise per day are recommended.
If these measures do not work, edema or water retention in the legs can indicate serious health problems.
You can lead a healthy life if you retain water naturally. It's a common health problem. Side effects typically include feeling like you've gained weight and your clothes are tighter than usual. If you are concerned about your symptoms or if they come on suddenly, consult a doctor.
