What are the common causes of water retention in legs. How can you identify the symptoms of edema. What are the most effective treatments for fluid retention in the legs. How can dietary changes help reduce swelling. When should you seek medical attention for leg swelling.

Understanding Edema: The Basics of Water Retention

Edema, commonly known as water retention, is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in body tissues. While it can affect various parts of the body, edema in the legs is particularly common and often noticeable. This swelling can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by discomfort or pain.

Edema occurs when small blood vessels leak fluid into surrounding tissues. This can happen for various reasons, including underlying health conditions, lifestyle factors, or even environmental influences. Understanding the causes and recognizing the symptoms of edema is crucial for proper management and treatment.

Types of Edema

• Peripheral edema: Affects extremities, particularly legs and feet
• Pulmonary edema: Fluid accumulation in the lungs
• Cerebral edema: Swelling in the brain
• Lymphedema: Swelling due to lymphatic system issues
• Idiopathic edema: Swelling with no known cause

Is peripheral edema always a cause for concern? While some degree of swelling in the legs is common, especially after long periods of standing or sitting, persistent or severe edema should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying health issues.

Common Causes of Water Retention in Legs

Water retention in the legs can be attributed to various factors, ranging from simple lifestyle choices to more serious medical conditions. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment and management of edema.

Lifestyle Factors

• Prolonged standing or sitting
• High salt intake
• Dehydration
• Lack of physical activity
• Tight clothing or footwear

Medical Conditions

• Venous insufficiency
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lymphatic system disorders
• Hormonal imbalances
• Pregnancy

Can medications cause water retention in the legs? Yes, certain medications can contribute to edema as a side effect. These may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Calcium channel blockers
• Corticosteroids
• Hormonal medications
• Some diabetes medications

If you suspect your medication is causing edema, consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your regimen.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Leg Edema

Identifying the signs of water retention in the legs is crucial for early intervention and management. While symptoms can vary in severity, common indicators include:

• Swelling or puffiness in the feet, ankles, or legs
• Skin that appears stretched or shiny
• Dimpling of the skin when pressed (pitting edema)
• Increased leg circumference
• Difficulty moving the affected limb
• Aching or heaviness in the legs
• Tight-fitting shoes or clothing

How can you differentiate between normal swelling and problematic edema? Normal swelling typically subsides after rest or elevation, while persistent or worsening edema may indicate an underlying issue. If swelling is accompanied by pain, redness, or warmth, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.

Diagnosing Water Retention: Medical Approaches

When faced with persistent leg swelling, healthcare providers employ various diagnostic methods to determine the underlying cause and severity of edema. These may include:

Physical Examination

A thorough physical exam allows doctors to assess the extent of swelling, check for pitting edema, and evaluate overall circulation in the affected limbs.

Medical History Review

Discussing your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle factors can provide valuable insights into potential causes of edema.

Diagnostic Tests

• Blood tests: To check kidney and liver function, as well as hormone levels
• Urinalysis: To assess kidney function and detect protein in the urine
• Imaging studies: Such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to evaluate blood flow and organ function
• Echocardiogram: To assess heart function if cardiac issues are suspected

Why is it important to determine the underlying cause of edema? Identifying the root cause allows for targeted treatment, addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying condition contributing to fluid retention.

Effective Treatments for Leg Edema

Managing water retention in the legs often involves a multifaceted approach, combining lifestyle modifications with medical interventions when necessary. The most effective treatments include:

Lifestyle Changes

• Elevating legs above heart level when resting
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Wearing compression stockings
• Reducing salt intake
• Maintaining proper hydration
• Avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting

Medical Interventions

• Diuretics (water pills) to promote fluid excretion
• Treatment of underlying medical conditions
• Adjustment of medications that may contribute to edema
• Manual lymphatic drainage for lymphedema
• In severe cases, surgical interventions to improve circulation

How effective are compression stockings in managing leg edema? Compression stockings can be highly effective in reducing swelling by applying pressure to the legs, promoting better circulation and preventing fluid accumulation. They are particularly useful for individuals who spend long periods standing or have venous insufficiency.

Dietary Approaches to Reducing Water Retention

Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing water retention. Certain dietary modifications can help alleviate edema and improve overall fluid balance in the body.

Reducing Sodium Intake

Excessive sodium consumption can lead to fluid retention. Limiting salt intake to less than 2,300 mg per day (or as recommended by your healthcare provider) can significantly reduce edema.

Increasing Potassium-Rich Foods

Potassium helps balance sodium levels in the body. Include potassium-rich foods such as bananas, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and avocados in your diet.

Hydration

While it may seem counterintuitive, proper hydration is essential for managing edema. Adequate water intake helps flush out excess sodium and toxins from the body.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like berries, fatty fish, and nuts can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the body.

Can certain herbs and supplements help with water retention? Some natural diuretics like dandelion, ginger, and parsley may help reduce fluid retention. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your regimen, as they may interact with medications or have side effects.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Leg Swelling

While mild edema can often be managed at home, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. Seek help if you experience:

• Sudden or severe swelling in one or both legs
• Swelling accompanied by shortness of breath
• Pain, warmth, or redness in the swollen area
• Fever or signs of infection
• Swelling that doesn’t improve with home remedies
• History of heart, kidney, or liver disease with worsening edema

Why is prompt medical attention important for severe or sudden leg swelling? Rapid onset of edema, especially if it’s unilateral, can be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition that requires immediate treatment to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Prevention Strategies for Water Retention in Legs

Preventing water retention in the legs involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits and being proactive about your health. Here are some effective prevention strategies:

Regular Exercise

Engaging in physical activity, particularly exercises that activate the calf muscles, can improve circulation and prevent fluid buildup.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess body weight can put additional pressure on the legs and contribute to edema. Maintaining a healthy BMI can help reduce the risk of fluid retention.

Balanced Diet

A diet low in sodium and rich in potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants can help maintain proper fluid balance in the body.

Avoid Prolonged Inactivity

If your job requires long periods of sitting or standing, take regular breaks to move around and elevate your legs when possible.

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration helps maintain electrolyte balance and supports overall circulatory health.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Avoid tight clothing or accessories that can restrict blood flow, particularly around the waist, legs, and ankles.

How effective is leg elevation in preventing edema? Elevating your legs above heart level for 15-30 minutes several times a day can significantly reduce fluid accumulation, especially for individuals prone to edema or those with jobs requiring prolonged standing or sitting.

Living with Chronic Edema: Management and Coping Strategies

For individuals dealing with chronic edema, developing effective management and coping strategies is essential for maintaining quality of life. Here are some approaches to consider:

Consistent Self-Care Routine

Establish a daily routine that includes leg elevation, compression therapy, and gentle exercises to manage swelling.

Skin Care

Proper skin care is crucial to prevent complications associated with chronic edema. Keep the affected areas clean and moisturized to reduce the risk of infections or skin breakdown.

Adaptive Clothing and Footwear

Invest in comfortable, breathable clothing and shoes that accommodate fluctuations in swelling. Consider wide-fit shoes or adjustable footwear for better comfort.

Support Groups

Connecting with others who experience chronic edema can provide emotional support and practical tips for managing the condition.

Regular Medical Check-ups

Maintain regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and adjust treatment plans as needed.

How can mindfulness and stress reduction techniques help in managing chronic edema? Stress can exacerbate fluid retention in some individuals. Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help manage stress levels and potentially reduce edema symptoms.

In conclusion, understanding water retention in the legs, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for effective management. Whether dealing with occasional swelling or chronic edema, a combination of lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medical interventions can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment plans, especially if experiencing severe or persistent edema.

Idiopathic Oedema | Water and Fluid Retention

What is idiopathic oedema?

Oedema is the medical term for fluid retention. Idiopathic is a term which means unknown cause. Idiopathic oedema is therefore a condition of mild fluid retention where the cause is not fully understood. Oedema can be caused by various conditions, especially diseases of the heart or kidney. However, people with idiopathic oedema are otherwise healthy and do not have a kidney or heart disease to account for their oedema. Idiopathic oedema is not serious but can be a nuisance.

It is important that your doctor checks you for known causes for your swelling (for example, problems with the heart, kidneys or blood vessels). If these have been ruled out by tests then the diagnosis may be idiopathic oedema.

Who has idiopathic oedema?

Idiopathic oedema mainly affects women in their middle years. It can become worse as you become older. Many women find that the oedema worsens at certain times of the month (usually just before a period).

What causes idiopathic oedema?

The underlying cause seems to be due to fluid leaking out of the small blood vessels into the tissues. Why this occurs in some people is not clear. It is usually worse after you have been standing for long periods, as there is increased pressure in your veins when standing compared to lying down. Going on long journeys or sitting still for long periods of time can also worsen the swelling.

One possible cause is the retention of salt (sodium). When the body retains salt it also holds on to fluid and thereby may cause some oedema.

A possible cause of fluid retention often overlooked by people and difficult to diagnose is due to binge eating alternating with strict dieting. This can cause intermittent fluid retention.

What are the symptoms?

Mild swelling of the feet, hands, tummy (abdomen), breasts and face may occur. This is worse at the end of the day and may disappear after a night’s rest. Rings may need to be taken off and looser clothes may need to be worn in the evening.

Many people with idiopathic oedema find that they weigh about two kilograms (four pounds) more in the evening compared to the morning. You should use the same scales to weigh yourself, after you have been to the toilet, morning and evening.

What are the treatments?

Idiopathic oedema is not an easy condition to treat and cannot often be cured. Many people are reassured that their fluid retention is not due to a serious medical condition. Learning to live with it and changing into loose clothes in the evening are all that is required for most people.

However, the following tips may be helpful:

Avoid prolonged standing

This may not always be easy, especially if you are in a job which requires you to stand for long periods of time. Wearing support stockings or tights will often help to reduce swelling of ankles and legs. There are now many different types and sizes, meaning they are fairly comfortable to wear. Many of the tights and stockings are now available on prescription from your doctor.

Weight loss

Many people with fluid retention are overweight and losing weight can make a big difference to improve the oedema. A gradual weight loss (rather than fasting and bingeing) is recommended. 

Idiopathic oedema diet

What you eat may help with fluid retention. In particular:

• Salt (sodium) restriction – idiopathic oedema can often improve greatly if you reduce your salt intake. One way is to stop adding salt to food. Also reduce the amount of processed foods you eat, as these often contain large amounts of salt.
• Eating foods rich in potassium – eating potassium-rich foods can actually help to reduce the salt levels in the body and so may improve the oedema. Potassium-rich foods include most fruits, especially bananas and also tomatoes. You should not take potassium supplement tablets though.

‘Water’ tablets

Many people take ‘water’ tablets (diuretics) for oedema due to other medical conditions. However, in idiopathic oedema, diuretics may make things worse in some people, as they alter the salt and water balance of the body. They are not necessarily the easy answer to the problem. However, they can help for some people. A doctor is the best person to discuss whether or not they may help you. Also, there are different types of diuretics, and some are not advised for idiopathic oedema. So, it is best to speak with a doctor before using any diuretic.

Swelling | Michigan Medicine

Topic Overview

Swelling is an increase in the size or a change in the shape of an area of the body. Swelling can be caused by collection of body fluid, tissue growth, or abnormal movement or position of tissue.

Most people will have swelling at some time. When it is hot and you have stood or sat in the same position for a long time, you might notice swelling in your feet and ankles. Staying in one position for any length of time increases the risk that the lower legs, feet, or hands will swell because body fluid will normally move down a limb from the effects of gravity. Swelling can also be caused by heat-related problems, such as heat edema from working or being active in a hot environment.

Body fluid can collect in different tissue spaces of the body (localized) or can affect the whole body (generalized). Causes of localized swelling include:

• Injury to a specific body area. Bruising (hematoma) from an injury is caused by tears in the small blood vessels under the skin. Bleeding can also affect the joint (hemarthrosis) or the area that cushions and lubricates the joint (traumatic bursitis). Swelling can affect just one area or may involve large sections of the body, such as swelling that occurs following a motor vehicle accident.
• Infection, which can occur in a joint or under the skin. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the site of infected tissue. Cellulitis is a skin infection that can cause mild or severe swelling.
• Burns, which can cause swelling at the site of the burn or in a larger area around the burn.
• Inflammation that occurs when tissue is irritated by overuse or repeated motion.
  • Swelling of the tendon and swelling caused by a series of small tears around a tendon (tendinosis) can occur together or separately.
  • Swelling of the sac that cushions and lubricates the joint (bursitis) can be caused by prolonged or repeated pressure or by activities that require repeated twisting or rapid joint movements.
• Insect bites or stings. Most insect bites or stings cause a small amount of redness or swelling. Some people have an allergic reaction to a bite or sting and develop a lot of swelling, redness, and itching.
• Other causes, such as swelling related to a sac-shaped structure with clear fluid, blood, or pus (cyst) or a swollen gland, such as a salivary gland. For more information, see the topic Swollen Glands, Hernias, and Other Lumps Under the Skin.

Causes of generalized swelling include:

• Allergic reaction. Sudden swelling of the hands and face may be a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and needs immediate medical evaluation.
• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma. These diseases can cause swelling when the body produces antibodies and other cells that attack and destroy tissues in the body.
• Medicines. Some medicines change how body fluids circulate, causing swelling. Swelling may also occur as an allergic reaction to a medicine.
• Circulation problems related to certain medical conditions, such as peripheral arterial disease, heart failure, diabetes, or kidney disease. Thrombophlebitis causes swelling of an extremity when a blood clot interrupts blood flow in a vein in the arm or leg.
• Fluid that accumulates in the abdomen (ascites) because of other problems, such as malnutrition, cirrhosis, or liver disease.

Some people may experience swelling as a reaction to a medical treatment, procedure, or surgery. Swelling from a medical treatment may be related to the procedure or to a substance, such as dye, used during the procedure. Swelling may occur at an intravenous (IV) site used during a procedure or at an IV site used for medicines given at home. Some swelling at the site of surgery is normal, such as swelling of the arm after a mastectomy. Lymphedema is swelling that occurs in an area around lymph nodes that have been removed (such as following surgery) or injured (such as following radiation treatments).

Swelling can also be caused by the fluctuation of hormone levels within the body. Some women may notice swelling from retaining fluid during their menstrual cycles. This may be called cyclical edema because it is related to the menstrual cycle. Some women experience mild swelling in their hands or feet during pregnancy. Swelling in the feet may be more noticeable in the third trimester of the pregnancy. Generalized swelling can be a sign of a pregnancy-related problem called preeclampsia. For more information, see the topic Pregnancy-Related Problems.

Swelling can occur when tissues move out of their normal position, such as hernias in the abdomen. For more information, see the topic Inguinal Hernia.

Most of the time swelling is mild and goes away on its own. You may not even know what caused the swelling. Home treatment is usually all that is needed to relieve mild symptoms.

Check Your Symptoms

Is swelling your main concern?

You may have concerns about swelling around the face, in the arms or legs, or in the belly or groin.

Yes

Swelling is main concern

No

Swelling is main concern

How old are you?

Less than 12 years

Less than 12 years

12 years or older

12 years or older

Are you male or female?

Why do we ask this question?

• If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
• If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
• If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as “male” and once as “female”). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Could you be having a severe allergic reaction?

This is more likely if you have had a bad reaction to something in the past.

Yes

Possible severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

No

Possible severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Are you having trouble breathing (more than a stuffy nose)?

Yes

Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose

No

Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose

Would you describe the problem as severe, moderate, or mild?

Severe

Severe difficulty breathing

Moderate

Moderate difficulty breathing

Mild

Mild difficulty breathing

Do you have pain in the area with the swelling?

How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?

8 to 10: Severe pain

Severe pain

5 to 7: Moderate pain

Moderate pain

1 to 4: Mild pain

Mild pain

Do you think you may have a fever related to the swelling problem?

Swelling and fever can be symptoms of infection or other problems.

Do you have swelling all over?

Do you have swelling in your legs?

Have you been urinating a lot less than usual lately?

Is the swelling:

Quickly getting worse?

Swelling is quickly getting worse

Slowly getting worse?

Swelling is slowly getting worse

Staying about the same?

Swelling is not getting worse

Do you have heart failure?

Do you think that a medicine may be causing the swelling?

Think about whether the swelling started soon after you began using a new medicine or a higher dose of a medicine.

Yes

Medicine may be causing swelling

No

Medicine may be causing swelling

Has any swelling that does not have a clear cause lasted for more than a week?

Yes

Unexplained swelling for more than 1 week

No

Unexplained swelling for more than 1 week

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

• Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
• Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
• Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
• Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
• Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

• Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
• Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.

Pain in adults and older children

• Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain.
• Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it’s severe when it’s there.
• Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.

Swelling can be a sign that you are having an allergic reaction to a medicine. This can happen with almost any medicine.

Many prescription and nonprescription medicines also may cause swelling as a side effect. A few examples are:

• Corticosteroids.
• Hormones, such as birth control pills and hormone therapy used to treat menopause symptoms.
• Some blood pressure medicines.

Symptoms of difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe. For example:

• You may feel a little out of breath but still be able to talk (mild difficulty breathing), or you may be so out of breath that you cannot talk at all (severe difficulty breathing).
• It may be getting hard to breathe with activity (mild difficulty breathing), or you may have to work very hard to breathe even when you’re at rest (severe difficulty breathing).

Severe trouble breathing means:

• You cannot talk at all.
• You have to work very hard to breathe.
• You feel like you can’t get enough air.
• You do not feel alert or cannot think clearly.

Moderate trouble breathing means:

• It’s hard to talk in full sentences.
• It’s hard to breathe with activity.

Mild trouble breathing means:

• You feel a little out of breath but can still talk.
• It’s becoming hard to breathe with activity.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may include:

• The sudden appearance of raised, red areas (hives) all over the body.
• Rapid swelling of the throat, mouth, or tongue.
• Trouble breathing.
• Passing out (losing consciousness). Or you may feel very lightheaded or suddenly feel weak, confused, or restless.

A severe reaction can be life-threatening. If you have had a bad allergic reaction to a substance before and are exposed to it again, treat any symptoms as an emergency. Even if the symptoms are mild at first, they may quickly become very severe.

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

• Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care today.
• If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
• If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

• Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
• If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
• If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

• Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care in the next hour.
• You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
  • You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
  • You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Home Treatment

Mild swelling will usually go away on its own. Home treatment may help relieve symptoms.

Swelling and pain are very common with injuries. When you have swelling, you should look for other symptoms of injury that may need to be evaluated by your doctor.

If you have a medical condition that may cause swelling, follow your doctor’s instructions on how to treat your swelling.

Mild swelling

• Rest and protect a sore area. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness.
• Elevate the injured or sore area on pillows while applying ice and any time you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.
• Avoid sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods of time. Exercising the legs decreases the effect of gravity, so swelling goes down.
• A low-sodium diet may help reduce swelling.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent swelling caused by dehydration.
• Keep your skin cool in hot environments.

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• Swelling increases or spreads.
• Other symptoms develop, such as pain, fever, trouble breathing, or decrease in urination.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent.

Prevention

The following tips may help prevent swelling.

• Do not sit with your feet hanging down for long periods of time. Elevate your feet whenever possible. If you take a car trip, stop and walk around every 1 to 2 hours. If you are traveling in an airplane, be sure to get up and walk around every 1 to 2 hours.
• Limit the amount of salt in your diet.
• Exercise regularly. Warm up and stretch before exercising.
• Drink plenty of fluids, and keep your skin cool in hot environments.
• Avoid repetitive motions, or take frequent breaks often to rest a body area.
• Take medicines as instructed. If swelling occurs often, discuss with your doctor whether taking your medicine at another time of day would decrease the swelling.
• Do not smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products. They increase circulation problems.

If you have a chronic medical condition or are pregnant, follow your doctor’s instructions on how to prevent swelling and when to call to report your symptoms.

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What are your main symptoms?
• How long have you had your symptoms?
• What do you think is causing the swelling?
• What specific body area is swollen?
• Did the swelling begin suddenly, or did it develop gradually?
• Is the swelling always present? Is it worse in the morning or the evening?
• Have you had this problem before? If so, do you know what caused the problem at that time? How was it treated?
• What activities make your symptoms better or worse?
  • Do you think that activities related to your job or hobbies caused your symptoms?
  • Do you do sports activities?
• Have you recently moved from a different climate, such as from a colder climate to one with more heat or humidity?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
• What prescription and nonprescription medicines do you take?
• Do you have any health risks?

Credits

Current as of:
February 26, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine

Current as of: February 26, 2020

Author:
Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine

Water Retention: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

We all know that approximately 70% of the human body comprises of water, present both inside and outside of the cells.

Our organs, muscles and even bones have high water content. Water is the essence of our existence but sometimes our body holds on to too much of it. Such excessive fluid build-up in the body leads to water retention.

“Sudden swelling, puffiness or bloating of feet, ankles, hands, fingers and face can seem like weight gain. But, when no amount of dieting or exercise helps and the swelling persists with pain, it can be water retention,” said Dr. Pooja Chaudhary, Wellness Consultant, Healthians.

What is water retention?

Water retention or fluid retention (medically known as edema) is defined as an excessive build-up of fluid in the circulatory system, body tissues or cavities in the body which can lead to swelling of the hands, feet, ankles and legs. Water retention or edema can be triggered by a lot of different things.

Causes of water retention: Water retention could be caused due to many reasons, some of the common ones include:

• Diet : Salt (sodium) rich food which are mostly include the processed food like meat, crackers, chips, canned vegetables, soups, fast food and even soft drinks can cause water retention.

• Malnutrition and poor diet: A diet that is low in protein can result in low levels of albumin, which can also lead to water retention.

• Physical inactivity: very long period of physical inactivity, also increase the chances of fluid retention in the body. Sitting or standing for too long can cause the tissue to hold water and cause swelling and pain in the affected areas. It is common after a long journey by car or on an airplane.

• Hormones: Women normally feel bloated or fluffy during the days when they have their menstruation cycle. Fluid retention, associated with hormone changes during the menstrual cycle, can cause breast tenderness, uncomfortable swelling in your hands and feet, abdominal bloating and weight gain. Certain kind of hormonal therapies can also cause water retention.

• Hot weather: During hot weathers, our body tends to be less efficient in removing fluid from the tissues.

• Chronic venous insufficiency: Weakened valves in the veins of the legs fail to efficiently return blood to the heart, resulting in pooling of blood which leads to varicose veins.

Water retention can also be the symptom of serious underlying medical conditions:

• Kidney diseases like nephrotic syndrome, acute glomerulonephritis

• Heart failure

• Chronic lung disease like emphysema

• Malignant lymphoedema is a problem caused by cancer and cancer treatment

• Thyroid disease

• Arthritis

• Allergic reactions

• Autoimmune reactions like lupus

Water retention symptoms: The most common water retention symptoms are:

• Swelling in the affected body parts (feet, ankles and hands)

• Bloated stomach

• Pain in the affected body part

• Stiffness in the joints

• An unexplained fluctuations in weight

• A rapid weight gain over a few days or even weeks

Diagnosis of water retention: In order to get rid of water retention, the most important thing is to get the correct diagnosis and start the treatment accordingly.

The diagnosis procedure includes:

• Proper physical examination

• Medical history of the patient

• A detailed questioning about the fluid retention including when it started, factors that worsen the swelling and whether it is constant or recurrent

• Blood tests

• Urine tests

• Liver function tests

• Kidney function tests

• Chest x-ray

• Heart function tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG)

Treatment for water retention: Once the problem has been diagnosed the treatment can be started. The treatment mostly includes following changes in diet, exercise and the treating the cause directly.

• Treating the causative factor for water retention

• Lifestyle changes according to the underlying medical condition

• If drugs are the cause for fluid retention, then a change in the medication or dose. This has to be supervised by the doctor

• Water pills (Diuretics) can help in reducing the water retention by increasing the frequency of passing urine

• Moving around or light exercise is also helpful

Home remedies and dietary suggestions to prevent water retention:

• Have a low salt diet, as high intake of sodium in the salt can cause water retention

• Increase the magnesium intake in the diet. Good source include nuts, whole grains, dark chocolate, leafy and green vegetables

• Vitamin B6 intake should be increased. Foods rich in vitamin B6 are banana, potatoes, walnuts and meat

• Include potassium rich food as they decrease the sodium levels in the body. Bananas and tomatoes are rich source of potassium

• Drink plenty of water

• Avoid having refined carbs

• Avoid drinks like tea, coffee, alcohol and soda as they can cause dehydration

• Add cranberry juice in your diet

• Include fresh fruits and dairy products in your diet

• To improve circulation, try raising your legs several times in a day

• If the water retention is in lower limb then wearing supporting stockings is advisable

• Avoid sitting and standing still for too long, keep moving between work

• It is advisable to avoid extreme temperatures like hot baths or sauna

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Swelling of your legs or genitals (lymphoedema) and penile cancer

Some people get swelling in one or both legs after radiotherapy or surgery to the lymph nodes in the groin and pelvis. Sometimes swelling can also be in the lower part of the tummy (abdomen), penis or sac of skin around the testicles (the scrotum).

This swelling is called lymphoedema (lim-fo-dee-ma).

The lymph nodes are part of your body’s drainage system. If you have had lymph nodes removed from your groin, this can affect the natural circulation and drainage of tissue fluid from the leg on that side.

Pain and heaviness

Lymphoedema can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Swelling that causes pressure on nerves can cause pain. If your leg is heavy, it can cause problems with walking and your posture. This can cause pain in your joints or other parts of the body. 

Lymphoedema is easier to manage as soon as any signs of swelling appear. If you see any swelling in your feet, legs, tummy or genitals speak to your GP or doctor at the hospital. They can refer you to a lymphoedema specialist.

The British Lymphology Society (BLS) has a register of UK lymphoedema practitioners. 

Emotional effects

For many people having lymphoedema can be a difficult side effect to cope with. You might feel upset or very sad when you get swelling. These feelings are natural. Talking to a lymphoedema therapist can help you to cope with the changes that you have.

You can also contact a support organisation like the Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN).

Exercises for lymphoedema

We know from research that exercise helps lymph move through the lymphatic system. This might help reduce swelling. Exercise makes the muscles contract and pushes lymph through the lymph vessels.

Exercises have other benefits. They can help you to keep a full range of movement and make you feel better.

Your physiotherapist or nurse will show you some exercises you can do at home if you have lymphoedema. 

Below are 2 videos that can help you with these exercises. Both are by a physiotherapist called Carla from the lymphoedema team at University College Hospital London. Speak to your doctor or lymphoedema specialist if you are unsure about doing any of them.

The first video shows you how to do breathing exercises. The second video shows you how to do leg exercises. It is important to do the breathing exercises before and after the leg exercises. 

These exercises should not be painful, so you must stop them if you have any pain. If the pain doesn’t get better contact your doctor. Do each exercise slowly and gently, and it may help to rest in between.

The video about deep breathing exercises is 1 minute long.

Hi I’m Carla, I’m going to show you how to do deep abdominal breathing. Remember to have a nice posture, relaxed shoulders. You can do them sitting down or standing up. Remember to breathe in by nose and breathe out by mouth.

So, when you breathe in, imagine you have a balloon in your tummy and you inflate this balloon and when you breathe out, imagine you’re deflating this balloon. You need to feel your hand going in so we’ll do it together now. We’ll breathe in…. and out.

Remember to do them a maximum five times and before and after you do your lymphoedema exercises.

Watch our videos for the exercises of the area where you have lymphoedema or you’re at risk of lymphoedema.

The video about leg exercises is just over 4 minutes long.

Hi, I’m Carla. I’m going to show you how to do leg exercises. Remember before you start to do your deep abdominal breathing exercises before and after. And repeat each exercise 5 to 10 times. Remember they need to be all pain free.

Upper leg exercises

We’ll start marching on the spot. Very gently. And then if possible go as high with your knees as you can. If you need help with your balance, hold on to a stable surface and again do some marching on the spot gently and as high as you can go.

Next one will be heels to bottom and again if you feel you need a bit of help with your balance, hold on to a stable surface.

Hip exercises

Next one will be working with the hips, rotating. We’ll be bringing our foot forward and drawing a semi-circle. This knee needs to be bent slightly and if you can, you will lift your foot a bit from the ground. If you need a bit of help with your balance, we’ll do it holding on to a stable surface. We’ll do the same drawing a semi-circle on the floor and if possible, lifting the foot a bit.

Next exercise we’ll do touching the knee with the opposite hand and if you need help with your balance instead of alternating we’ll do first one side and then don’t forget to do the other leg.

Knee exercises

For the knee we’ll need to sit down on a chair. We’ll do marching on the spot. You can use your arms, or you can have your arms on your lap.

We’ll be extending and bending the knees. If you have a bit of a problem with pain, you can do it a bit lower.

Ankle exercises

Next one we’ll be focusing on the ankle. We’ll do heel up and down as much as possible. Up and slowly going down to the floor.

Next one will be toes up.

And to finish, we’ll focus on the ankle. This one you can do sitting down on a recliner chair or on a bed. What you’ll do is go up and down as much as possible. And you’ll do one leg and then the other. Or if you’re on the bed or on the recliner chair, you can do it both at the same time.

And then we’ll do circles and as much as possible looking for all the positions of the foot. One direction and then the other.

Remember to do all the exercises once a day and if you have any concerns just speak to your doctor or your lymphoedema specialist.

And remember that you have more information about lymphoedema on the Cancer Research UK website.

Lowering your risk of swelling and managing it

The risk of getting swelling (lymphoedema) lasts for life after treatment to your lymph nodes. It can come on years after your treatment. 

You can help to lower your risk of swelling by not getting any skin infections. Infections trigger swelling in the area and that can cause more swelling in the leg.

A lymphoedema specialist can help you manage the lymphoedema, as well as give you advice and emotional support.

Nephrotic Syndrome | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome causes scarring or damage to the filtering part of the kidneys (glomeruli). This causes too much protein to be lost from the blood into the urine.

People with nephrotic syndrome often have:

• Very high levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria)
• Low levels of protein in the blood (hypoalbuminemia)
• Swelling (edema), especially around the eyes, feet, and hands
• High cholesterol

What causes nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome results from damage to the kidneys’ glomeruli. These are the tiny blood vessels that filter waste and excess water from the blood and send them to the bladder as urine.

Your glomeruli keep protein in the body. When they are damaged, protein leaks into the urine. Healthy kidneys allow less than 1 gram of protein to spill into the urine in a day. In nephrotic syndrome, the glomeruli let 3 grams or more of protein to leak into the urine during a 24-hour period. 

Nephrotic syndrome may happen with other health problems, such as kidney disease caused by diabetes and immune disorders. It can also develop after damage from viral infections.

The cause of nephrotic syndrome is not always known. 

What are the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is a set of symptoms. These are the most common:

• High blood pressure
• Swelling in the feet and hands, and around the eyes
• Weight gain with fluid retention and swelling
• Signs of infection such as fever, or an elevated white blood cell count
• Swelling and pain related to blood clots as the blood becomes thickened
• Urine that appears foamy from protein loss from the body into voided urine

The symptoms of nephrotic syndrome may look like other medical conditions or problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is nephrotic syndrome diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will review medical history and do a physical exam. Other tests may include:

• Blood pressure checks
• Measurement of your cholesterol levels
• Measurement of protein levels in your urine and in the blood
• Kidney biopsy (exam of a sample of kidney tissue)

What is the treatment for nephrotic syndrome?

Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on:

• How old you are
• Your overall health and medical history
• How sick you are
• How well you can handle specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
• How long the condition is expected to last
• Your opinion or preference

Your healthcare provider will try to find the underlying cause. He or she will also attempt to control blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce protein in the urine.

Medicines can include: 

• ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). These lower blood pressure and may be used in people with diabetes to protect the kidneys.
• Corticosteroids. These may be prescribed to reduce swelling and inflammation within the glomerulus. They also help prevent your immune system from attacking healthy tissue.
• Diuretics. These are cautiously used to decrease the amount of swelling.
• Immune system modifying medicines. These medicines are used to keep your immune system from attacking the glomerulus.
• Cholesterol-lowering medicines. These may be prescribed if your triglyceride and cholesterol levels are high.
• Anticoagulants. These are blood thinning medicines and may be prescribed if blood clots develop.
• Antibiotics or antiviral medicines. These are used to treat the underlying infectious cause.

Diet. A special diet can help delay the need for dialysis and to get rid of extra fluid and toxins that build up. Avoid salt to prevent more swelling. Avoid fats and cholesterol. Be sure to eat lean protein.

Dialysis is used in extreme cases to remove fluid and toxins when your kidneys have severely impaired filtering. 

What are the complications of nephrotic syndrome?

Serious complications of nephrotic syndrome include kidney failure or end stage renal disease (ESRD). This requires short-term or long-term dialysis. Blood clots and infection are other complications. These happen due to the loss of protein in the urine (proteinuria).

Can nephrotic syndrome be prevented?

Not all causes of nephrotic syndrome can be prevented. To prevent damage to the glomeruli:

• Make sure your blood pressure is well controlled.
• If you have diabetes, make sure your blood sugar is controlled.
• Keep up-to-date with vaccines that help to prevent common infections. This is especially true if you work or live around people who have hepatitis and other viral infections.
• Finish all antibiotics as prescribed. Do not stop your antibiotics because you may be feeling better. And, don’t save them for a later date.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, let your healthcare provider know.

Key points about nephrotic syndrome

• Nephrotic syndrome develops when there is damage to the filtering part of the kidneys (glomerulus). This results in protein spilling into the urine (proteinuria).
• Loss of the proteins from your blood allows fluid to leak out of the blood vessels into the nearby tissues causing swelling.
• The blood within your blood vessels will become thick with the loss of fluid into the tissue. This increases the risk for a blood clot.
• Your body will try to replace the lost proteins by increased production through the liver. This can result in high cholesterol.
• You will need to avoid excess sodium and fluid intake to prevent worsening fluid buildup in the tissue.
• Medicines are used to treat the underlying cause or help your body get rid of excess fluid.
• Dialysis may be needed if kidney failure develops which can happen in extreme cases.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

Reducing Your Risk of Lymphedema of the Legs

This information describes what you can do to reduce your risk of lymphedema of the legs.

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About Lymphedema

Lymphedema is swelling that can develop in your legs after your lymph nodes have been removed or injured. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are located throughout your body. They help move fluid out of the different areas of your body. If this fluid can’t be moved out, the tissue begins to swell.

During your surgery, the lymph nodes near your pelvis are removed to get rid of any remaining cancer. This puts you at risk for lymphedema in your legs. Your risk is also greater if you had radiation therapy or if you had lymph nodes removed from around your groin. If only your pelvic lymph nodes were removed, you have a smaller risk of developing lymphedema in your legs.

Lymphedema can develop soon after surgery or potentially years later.

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Risk Factors for Developing Lymphedema in Your Legs

Risk factors for lymphedema in your legs include:

• Gaining weight or being overweight.
• Infection in the affected leg.
• Having radiation therapy to the pelvis.
• Having cancer that comes back.
• Being inactive.
• Traveling in an airplane for long periods of time.
• Constricting your leg. This happens when you have a tight ring of pressure in one area of your leg and is often caused by wearing certain clothes (such as a sock with a tight elastic).
• Exposure to extreme temperatures.

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Reducing Your Risk of Lymphedema

There’s no way to know who will develop lymphedema, but there are things you can do that may lower your risk.

Protect your skin

One way to reduce your risk of getting lymphedema is to protect your skin from getting hurt or infected as much as possible. This is because the cells that fight infection go to the area where you hurt yourself and cause swelling. Your legs may not be able to drain this added fluid.

Care for cuts and scratches

1. Wash the area with soap and water.
2. Apply a first aid ointment to the area.
3. Cover it with a clean, dry gauze or a bandage (Band-Aid^®).

Care for burns

1. Wrap a cold pack in a towel and apply it to the burn for 15 minutes. You can also run cold water over the burn.
2. Wash the area with soap and water.
3. Apply a first aid ointment to the area.
4. Cover it with a clean, dry gauze or a bandage.

Watch for infections

Look out for symptoms of infection in the affected leg(s), which include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Increased heat
• Tenderness

If you have any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider.

Don’t wear tight clothing

Don’t wear clothing that is tight and leaves deep marks on your legs, such as socks or jogging pants with an elastic cuff. Wear loose clothing that doesn’t leave a mark on your legs.

Compression garments that are made to reduce swelling work differently. They provide even pressure and help carry fluid up the leg. You can read more about compression stockings in the “Compression stockings” section of this resource.

Avoid extreme temperatures

Extreme heat and cold may cause fluid to build up in your leg and cause swelling. Avoid or limit your time in hot tubs and saunas.

Other ways to reduce your risk

• Don’t use sharp tools for pedicures. Use cuticle-removing cream and file your nails instead of cutting them.
• Moisturize your skin often to prevent chapping and chaffing.
• Keep the area between your toes clean and dry to prevent infections.
• Don’t walk barefoot.
• Make sure your footwear fit you well to avoid blisters.
• Make sure any toe rings or ankle bracelets fit loosely.
• Try to avoid crossing your legs as much as possible.
• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from sunburns.
• Try to maintain your ideal weight.
• Minimize your salt intake. Salt can cause swelling, which may overwhelm your lymphatic system.

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Air Travel and Lymphedema

These are a few factors that may affect leg swelling when traveling by airplane.

• Cabin pressure. The cabin pressure in planes is usually a little less than the pressure on the ground. This can cause your skin to stretch and make fluid build up in your legs.
• Sitting still for long periods of time. When you don’t move for a long time, fluid may start to build up in your legs.
• Dehydration (when your body doesn’t have as much water as it needs).

Here are some travel tips that may help decrease your risk for developing lymphedema:

• Ask for a seat with enough leg room, such as bulkhead seats.
• Get help carrying, lifting, and pulling luggage that’s too heavy for you to manage comfortably.
• Get up and walk up and down the aisle of the plane, if you can.
• Do simple foot and ankle exercises while you’re sitting. Exercising throughout the flight will help with your circulation and movement of lymph fluid. You can try these exercises:
• Point your toes towards the ceiling and then back down towards the floor.
• Rotate your feet in circles and then reverse the direction.
• Wear loose clothing.
• Make sure you drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.
• Avoid salty foods.

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Recognizing Early Signs of Lymphedema

Swelling in the area near your incision (surgical cut) is normal after surgery and should go away within a few weeks.

Swelling caused by lymphedema usually begins in your lower leg(s). If it is untreated, it may move up your leg towards your torso. At first, the swelling may come and go. It may get better when you raise your leg above your chest.

Other early symptoms may include a feeling of heaviness in your leg(s) or the feeling that your clothing, socks, or shoes fit too tightly.

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Treating Lymphedema

If lymphedema progresses, you can work with a lymphedema therapist to treat the condition. This treatment is called complete decongestive therapy.

The treatment includes:

• Bandaging
• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Compression stockings
• Skin care
• Exercise

Bandaging

Bandaging is covering your legs with a special, tight bandage. Not every person will need to do this. If you need bandaging, there are many ways to bandage. You and your therapist will discuss this to decide what’s best for you.

Manual lymphatic drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle type of massage. It moves fluid from your legs to where it can be reabsorbed by your body. MLD is done in a certain order depending on which lymph nodes were removed. Your therapist will determine what order is best for you.

Compression stockings

Compression stockings help your lymphatic system function better. Some people choose to wear them to reduce their risk of developing lymphedema. It’s important that your compression stockings fit properly. Please discuss with your physician if this option is right for you.

• Make sure the stockings don’t cause any irritation or leave marks on your skin. It’s best if your lymphedema therapist fits you with the stockings so you can be sure they fit well.
• Compression stockings come in different compression levels and lengths, including knee-highs, thigh-highs, and pantyhose.

Skin care

Keep your skin clean and moisturized. This is important for decreasing your risk for infection, and may also lower your risk of getting lymphedema.

Exercises

Gentle exercises, such as walking, are a great way to help the fluids in your body move a little better. Try to go for a walk every day, if you can.

We have listed some exercises below that will help you maintain flexibility and strength. Talk with your healthcare provider before you start doing any exercises.

If your healthcare provider approves, do these exercises once a day. Stop if you have any pain, discomfort, fatigue (feeling more tired or weak than usual), or swelling.

Here’s a video that shows you how to do these exercises and stretches.

Deep breathing

Start with deep breathing to stimulate the movement of fluid. Take no more than 3 deep breaths at a time to prevent light-headedness.

Marching in place

1. Sit in a chair and place your feet flat on the floor.
2. Slowly raise 1 knee without tilting or leaning backward (see Figure 1).
3. Lower your leg and return your foot to the floor.
4. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
5. Repeat with your other leg.

Figure 1. Marching in place

Sitting kicks

1. Sit in a chair. Keep your feet flat on the floor.
2. Kick 1 foot up from the floor until your leg is straight out in front of you (see Figure 2).
3. Hold the position and count out loud to 5.
4. Lower your foot to the floor.
5. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
6. Repeat with your other leg.

Figure 2. Sitting kicks

Ankle alphabets

Move your feet to spell the letters of the alphabet (see Figure 3). Go through the alphabet at least 2 times with each foot.

Figure 3. Ankle alphabets

Stretches

Later in your recovery, you will be ready to do some stretching exercises. These will help to loosen the muscles in your legs and hips. When you can do these exercises will depend on the type of surgery you had. Start these stretching exercises only when your doctor tells you it’s safe.

Calf stretch

1. Sit with your legs straight out in front of you.
2. Loop a towel around the ball of one foot (see Figure 4).
3. Gently pull the towel, keeping your knee straight.
4. Hold this position for 30 seconds.
5. Repeat 5 times. Then switch legs and repeat.

   Figure 4. Calf stretch

Hamstring stretch

1. Sit with your legs straight out in front of you.
2. Reach for your toes, keeping your knees and back straight (see Figure 5).
3. Hold this position for 30 seconds.
4. Repeat 5 times.

   Figure 5. Hamstring stretch

Hip stretch

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent.
2. Cross one leg over the other and pull that leg close to your chest (see Figure 6).
3. Hold this position for 30 seconds.
4. Repeat 5 times. Then switch legs and repeat the stretch.

   Figure 6. Hip stretch

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Other Treatments for Lymphedema

There are other treatments for lymphedema available. Talk with your healthcare provider or lymphedema therapist about which are right for you.

Some other treatments include:

• Scar management. The scars left after your surgery can make it harder for your body to drain the lymphatic fluid. Scar management helps the area around your scar become softer and less tight. This will help your body drain the fluid in your legs.
• Improving posture may help the lymph fluid move more easily
• Applying therapeutic sports tape.

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When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

Call your healthcare provider if you have:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Chills
• New or unexplained pain or tenderness in your leg(s) or foot
• Increased warmth in your leg(s) surrounding a skin break
• Redness in your leg(s) or foot that doesn’t go away
• Increased swelling in your leg(s) or foot
• A feeling of heaviness in your leg(s) lasting more than 1 week

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Making an Appointment

To make an appointment to see a lymphedema therapist, talk with your doctor. They’ll decide if lymphedema therapy is right for you. After your doctor makes a referral, someone will contact you to schedule an appointment. If you have any questions, call the Rehabilitation Service at 212-639-7833.

You can receive your lymphedema therapy at locations at several Memorial Sloan Kettering locations. For more information, visit www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/rehabilitation/medicine-therapy.

You can also go to the following websites to a find a lymphedema therapist in your local area:

Klose Training
www.klosetraining.com

Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy
www.nortonschool.com

Academy of Lymphatic Studies
www.acols.com

Lymphatic Association of North America
www.clt-lana.org

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Resources

American Cancer Society (ACS)
Provides information about the diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema.
www.cancer.org
800-227-2345

Cancer Information Service (CIS)
Provides information about the diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema.
www.cancer.gov/aboutnci/cis
1-800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237)

National Lymphedema Network
Provides educational materials and community referrals.
www.lymphnet.org
800-541-3259 or 415-908-3681

Lymphology Association of North America
Provides educational materials and community referrals.
www.clt-lana.org
773-756-8971

Lymphatic Education and Research Network
Provides educational materials and supports research on lymphedema.
www.lymphaticnetwork.org
516-625-9675

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How to Manage Leg Swelling in the Heat

Reviewed by: Dr. Satish Vayuvegula

Summer is the season many people wait all year for. Sunshine, fun, outdoor activities, warm weather, watermelon. Doesn’t everything just feel better in the summer? While the love for this season is undeniable, there is something about it that many of us don’t love: the fact that summer also means swollen feet and ankles.

But why? Why does this beloved season mean the swelling of your feet and ankles?

You can thank something called heat edema. Read on to find out why leg swelling often worsens in the summer heat, and what you can do about it.

What is heat edema?

According to the Mayo Clinic, edema is “swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body’s tissues.” Heat edema specifically is this swelling that occurs when temperatures are high. As stated by the University of Michigan, “heat causes the blood vessels to expand (dilate), so body fluid moves into the hands or legs by gravity.”

And there you have it — the reason why your feet and ankles swell in the heat.

There are some people that are more at risk of heat edema than others. This includes people who are not used to being in hot climates. Their bodies have not had time to acclimate to the high temperatures and may suffer as a result.

Additionally, people who are overweight also are at a higher risk of heat edema due to their tendency to hold more water, as well as people who are older.

However, heat edema can also occur in young, healthy people so be attentive to signs you may have edema.

How to know if you have heat edema

The most obvious sign of heat edema is leg and feet swelling, but, according to the Mayo Clinic, other symptoms may include:

• Swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin, especially in your legs or arms
• Stretch or shiny skin
• Skin that retains a dimple (pits), after being pressed for several seconds
• Increased abdominal size

If you have edema that occurs at other times (not just heat-related) and is associated with any of the symptoms listed below, this is often a sign that the problems could be related to your veins, so you should schedule an appointment with one of our physicians to be sure you’re not experiencing signs of vein disease.

• Leg aching
• Pain
• Redness
• Heaviness
• Fatigue
• Itching
• Burning
• Restlessness
• Cramping or Charlie horses

Find a vein clinic near you today.

How to prevent swelling

The best way to avoid swelling due to heat is to stay out of hot temperatures. If you live in a climate where that is not an option, then try to stick to cool areas as much as possible.

In addition, staying hydrated will help to keep overheating and pooling issues at bay. Be sure to also move regularly and never spend too much time sitting or standing in one place as this is known to cause uncomfortable leg swelling as well.

How to treat swollen legs

Sometimes treating heat edema can be as simple as elevating your feet and lowering your salt intake. However, if that is not proving to be enough, your heat edema may be a sign of greater venous insufficiency. This can be alleviated by compression stockings but can only be treated by a type of procedure called endovenous ablation. These forms of treatment are used to collapse or close damaged veins so that blood can be directed to healthy veins.

90,000 We return harmony. How to get rid of excess fluid in the heat

Hot weather has been observed in Ukraine for a couple of weeks and, as a result, the majority of residents have felt the unpleasant consequences of weather conditions. First of all, in the form of swelling of tissues and limbs. Excess water is able to “throw” a few kilograms and turn a slender body into a phenomenon far from such a definition.

How to get rid of excess fluid in the body in a timely manner and what to do if it was not already possible to do it on time? For qualified explanations Focus turned to a professional nutritionist Alena Yudina.

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Water retention in the body occurs due to an excess of fluid that accumulates in our tissues. This stagnation of fluid is called edema. Swelling forms in the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which causes swelling of the hands, feet, and particularly the ankles.

“Of course, the best advice for optimal hydrobalance is the phrase” exercise “and eat a balanced diet.In this case, you will be able to avoid troubles in the form of stagnation of liquids “, – nutritionist Alena Yudina comments to Focus.” But if you are far from sports activities and are not a supporter of healthy lifestyle, the following recommendations will be useful to you:

Important

Heat in a big city. 5 trendy cold soups

Drink water. Adhere to the formula for correct fluid intake

Often people prone to swelling begin to avoid drinking water in hot weather, fearing that fluid intake will further exacerbate swelling, which is a big mistake, says Alena Yudina.- The fact is that it is the correct intake of water that will provide your body with a “sense of security” and it will “understand” that you can safely part with water in the tissues of your body. Otherwise, the body will perceive the water deficit as an attack and will begin to retain fluid with a vengeance.

The correct water intake is enclosed in the formula: 40 ml * 1 kg of actual body weight, divided by 2. For example, a woman weighing 70 kg should drink 40 * 70: 2 = 1400 ml per day. And this is without taking into account sports and hot weather.Subject to two other factors, the volume of water consumed should increase, – says expert nutritionist Alena Yudina.

Lack of water in the body leads to obesity, the expert continues. Because it is water that is responsible for the processing of fats. In addition, water helps restore skin elasticity, which is very important during the period of weight loss.

Consume berries and celery

Ukrainians are used to cooking salty meat dishes, which definitely do not benefit either the figure or the correct hydrobalance of the body.Salt is composed of sodium and chloride. Sodium interacts with water in the body and helps maintain fluid balance both inside and outside the cells. If you frequently eat foods that are high in salt, such as a lot of processed or saturated meats, your body can retain water. If you are used to spicy foods and dishes, I recommend replacing salt with spices and aromatic herbs, advises Alena Yudina.

However, there are other methods of correcting the water balance, which are often mentioned in targeted materials of reference publications:

Increase your magnesium intake

Magnesium is one of the most useful and significant minerals.In fact, it is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions that support the body’s functioning. Increasing the intake of the mineral will help remove excess fluid from the body. One study found that 200 mg of magnesium per day reduced water retention in women with premenstrual symptoms and hot weather.

Natural sources of magnesium include nuts, whole grains, dark chocolate, and leafy green vegetables. It can also be taken as a dietary supplement that can be purchased at any pharmacy.

Increase your intake of vitamin B6

Essentially, vitamin B6 is a group of several related vitamins that are important for the formation of red blood cells and perform a number of essential functions in the body. There is evidence, confirmed by empirical studies, on a decrease in fluid stagnation in the body of women during pregnancy, PMS and in hot weather, provided that the intake of B6 is increased for several days. Natural sources of B6 include bananas, potatoes, walnuts, and lean meats.Well, and of course, nutritional supplements, developed taking into account the patient’s gender.

Eat more foods that contain potassium

Potassium is a mineral that performs a number of functions necessary for the body to function properly. In reasonable amounts, it regulates the work of the heart muscle and maintains an active state of the body. Potassium is often taken by athletes to improve performance during exercise. It affects the amount of fluid in the tissues of the body in two ways: firstly, by reducing the level of sodium (that is, salt), and secondly, by promoting the formation of urine and, as a result, its rapid excretion.Potassium is found in bananas, avocados, tomatoes, spinach, watermelon, and coconut milk.

The fact is that dandelion leaves have long been a natural diuretic, which our ancestors often used. Thus, dandelion is a natural diuretic that promotes the rapid elimination of fluid from the body, even with severe tissue edema. This remedy has almost no contraindications, which makes it versatile and suitable even for children.One study involved 17 people who took dandelion extract for 24 hours. On average, study participants’ fluid excretion increased by 30%. In addition, dandelion is a source of an extensive vitamin group and metabolic restoration.

Avoid refined carbohydrates

Consuming refined carbohydrates leads to sudden surges in sugar in the body, and, as a result, frequent production of insulin. High insulin levels cause your body to retain more sodium by increasing sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, which promotes fluid retention.Examples of refined carbohydrates are white table sugar and white flour.

90,000 How to lose weight by eliminating fluid retention in the body?

Excess fluid in the body may cause discomfort, bloating or swelling, especially in the abdomen, legs and arms. In addition, this is also reflected in the numbers on the scales.

Water usually makes up 50-60% of the total body weight of an adult. Fluctuations in the water level in the body can lead to changes in body weight in the range of 1–2 kg during the day.

Anyone can experience fluid retention, but certain factors make this more likely. These include:

• pregnancy;

90,073 malnutrition;

90,073 sedentary lifestyle;

• taking corticosteroids;

90,073 taking oral contraceptives;

• heart, liver or kidney problems.

Severe fluid retention may indicate heart or kidney disease. That said, mild cases of fluid retention are usually temporary and go away on their own or with some simple lifestyle changes.

The main causes of fluid retention include:

Food selection. Diets high in sodium and carbohydrates can lead to water retention. Lack of potassium and magnesium can also cause this.

Menstrual cycle. In women, natural hormonal changes can cause water retention in the body a week before menstruation. Cravings for salty foods and sweets can make this worse.

Physical inactivity. Prolonged sitting disrupts the circulation of fluid in the body. This causes water to build up around body tissues, leading to swelling in the limbs.

Diseases of the heart or kidneys. They can disrupt normal blood flow, resulting in fluid buildup and edema.

Medicines . Fluid retention is a side effect of many medications. These include anti-inflammatories and some oral contraceptives.

In order to get rid of excess fluid in the body, there are many ways.Let’s consider the most effective ones.

Reduce sodium (salt) intake. An easy first step in eliminating fluid retention is to replace sodium-rich foods with low-sodium ones. The point is that the body needs to maintain a balanced ratio of sodium to water in order to function properly, so it will retain water when consuming large amounts of salt.

Normally, an adult is recommended to consume no more than 2300 mg of sodium per day.It is important to remember that 75% of sodium does not come from the consumption of salt directly, but foods rich in this microelement – cheese, cooked meat, bread, frozen meals, snacks, instant food, fast food. In contrast, vegetables, nuts, and seeds contain small amounts of sodium. Certain foods can generally lower levels in the body, such as bananas, avocados, and leafy vegetables.

Drink more water. Dehydration can cause the body to retain additional water.Water also improves kidney function by allowing excess sodium to be flushed out of the body. Adults should drink about 2 liters of water per day. Replacing sugary drinks with clean water is a great way to manage dehydration while losing weight.

Reduce carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates make the body retain water. When we eat carbohydrates, energy that is not immediately used is stored as glycogen molecules. For every 1 g of glycogen in the body, there are 3 g of water. Reducing your carbohydrate intake is a quick way to use your glycogen stores, which means your body’s fluid retention will also decrease.While adults normally need at least 130 grams of carbohydrates every day for normal body function, many of us have a diet much higher in carbohydrates. Replacing some of your daily carbohydrate sources with high-protein foods, such as lean meats, eggs, and soy foods, can reduce the accumulation of water in the body.

Use supplements. Vitamin B ₆ and Magnesium Oxide may be effective natural remedies for eliminating fluid retention in the body.They promote the excretion of excess fluid and sodium by the kidneys. Research shows that these 2 compounds are very effective in relieving PMS symptoms, including fluid retention. They can also reduce abdominal bloating and leg swelling.

Exercise regularly. Exercise allows the body to rid itself of excess water and also stimulates blood circulation, which can reduce fluid build-up, especially in the leg area. Plus, exercise helps burn glycogen stores.It is important not to forget about replenishing the body’s water supply during exercise.

Another way to eliminate edema is to take diuretics. They are prescription drugs and are only taken as directed by your doctor to help you stay hydrated.

Based on materials from www.medicalnewstoday.com

How to remove excess fluid from the body

How to understand that there is excess fluid in the body

The most noticeable sign of fluid retention is swelling.The face becomes puffy, the legs in the ankle area become heavy and increase in volume, the rings bite into the fingers. But excess water can occur much earlier, even before the onset of edema.

Experts from Harvard Medical School suggest ^{to target weight. If you have not changed your lifestyle, and the scales suddenly began to show plus 1–2 kg or more, most likely the reason is fluid retention.}

Eldrin Lewis

MD, Cardiovascular Specialist.

Most people gain 3 to 7 kg of excess fluid before they first notice swelling in their legs or abdomen.

Why excess fluid accumulates in the body

Water retention can be caused by different reasons ^{. Including natural and relatively harmless ones. For example:}

• premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy in women;
• the habit of eating very salty food;
• Prolonged immobility – for example, fluid accumulates in the lower limbs when you have to sit for many hours on an airplane or bus.

Swelling can also be a side effect of certain medications. In particular, drugs that are prescribed for hypertension and diabetes, hormonal drugs based on estrogen, steroids. Even ibuprofen and other NSAIDs sometimes cause fluid retention.

But puffiness is also felt in serious conditions, such as:

• chronic heart failure;
• kidney disease;
• cirrhosis;
• chronic venous insufficiency;
• problems with the lymphatic system;
• Long-term protein deficiency.

Should you remove excess fluid

For healthy people, fluid retention is more of an aesthetic problem. Puffiness, provoked by hormonal changes during PMS or a herring eaten at night, usually goes away on its own within a maximum of a couple of days. Whether to speed up this process or “it will do well” is up to you.

But if the swelling becomes regular, constant or appears against the background of already existing diseases – for example, cardiovascular disorders, you need to get rid of excess fluid.Otherwise, excess water will put additional stress on the heart, kidneys, veins and worsen your condition.

When to see a doctor

Experts at the Mayo Clinic, one of the largest research and medical centers in the world, list ^{warning signs. If you notice them, try to get help as soon as possible.}

• Sudden swelling is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, and confused shallow breathing. This could be a sign of pulmonary edema or anaphylactic shock.With such symptoms, you need to act immediately. Dial 103 or 112.
• The skin over the swollen area is stretched to such an extent that it shines. Or, after pressing on the swollen area, a dimple remains there for a long time. With such signs, you need to consult with a therapist and undergo the examinations prescribed by him.
• After spending a lot of time sitting, the leg is swollen and sore, and this condition persists for a long time. This is how deep vein thrombosis can manifest itself.See a general practitioner, phlebologist, or vascular surgeon.

It is worth seeing the attending physician even if there are no dangerous signs, but fluid retention occurs against the background of some kind of chronic illness. The doctor will examine you, ask you about your well-being and recommend ways to get rid of the puffiness.

How to remove excess fluid from the body

These methods are suitable for healthy people. But doctors often recommend ^{them to patients with chronic diseases (be sure to consult a doctor before starting!).}

1. Warm up

Fluid retention is often associated ^{with circulatory disorders. When the blood stagnates in one area or another, the pressure rises and moisture begins to squeeze out through the walls of the vessels into the intercellular space. Here she lingers.}

To get rid of liquid stagnation, a gentle warm-up is enough. It will improve blood circulation and help the body flush out excess moisture through the kidneys. Ask your therapist which exercise will be most effective and safest for you.

2. Give a light massage

Using gentle pressure, stroke the swollen areas towards the heart. This massage will help remove ^{excess fluid from the tissues, and then it will enter the bloodstream and be filtered by the kidneys.}

3. Lie down with your legs raised

Excess fluid often accumulates in the tissues of the legs – simply due to gravity, which complicates blood flow in the veins of the lower extremities.

When you lie down and lift your legs above the level of your heart (for example, put your ankles on a rolled up thick towel or a roller pillow), the universal gravitation begins to work for you.The blood flows towards the heart, the pressure on the walls of the vessels decreases, the fluid from the tissues of the lower extremities returns to the bloodstream.

4. Go to workout

Your task is to move so actively that you sweat. According to 90,151 studies, on average, people lose 0.5 to 2 liters of fluid per hour of exercise. The difference is associated with the individual characteristics of the body, the degree of stress, the ambient temperature and the chosen clothing.

In addition, during exercise, the muscles require more water and it comes ^{to them from the surrounding tissues.So exercising can help you get rid of the visible puffiness at the same time.}

5. Put on compression socks or stockings

This is another way to improve blood circulation in your legs ^{and get rid of fluid retention.}

6. Take an over-the-counter diuretic

These drugs boost kidney activity ^{and help the body flush out excess water.}

Note that diuretics have side effects. Therefore, it is worth taking them only after consulting a therapist.

7. Avoid salty foods

Salty foods make ^{the body retain fluids. This is a physiological process.}

The key element of table salt is sodium. In the fluids of the human body, ^{is always present in approximately the same amount. The concentration of dissolved sodium (and other electrolytes) is called osmolarity . For a person to remain healthy, it must be within certain, rather narrow limits.}

Therefore, when a lot of salt is supplied to the body, our body begins to store water in order to dilute the excess sodium.

In order not to provoke fluid retention, WHO experts recommend ^{to consume no more than 5 g of salt per day.}

8. Eat foods high in potassium

Mineral tends to reduce sodium concentration ^{. This will help the body get rid of excess water. We described in detail how the process takes place.}

The American Heart Association lists ^{foods rich in potassium:}

• greens, including leafy greens such as spinach; 90,074 90,073 peas;
• potatoes; 90,074 90,073 mushrooms; 90,074 90,073 bananas;
• avocados;
• Tomatoes and tomato juice;
• citrus fruits such as oranges and their juices;
• plums, apricots and other stone fruits and their juices;
• raisins and dates;
• milk with fat content up to 1%;
• low fat yogurt;
• tuna and halibut.

9. Eat magnesium-rich foods

Fluid retention and concomitant edema can ^{be signs of magnesium deficiency. Therefore, sometimes a diet rich in this mineral helps to cope with excess water.}

Experts from the American Clinic of Cleveland suggest eating the following food:

• nuts and seeds;
• legumes;
• Whole grains rich in fiber;
• low-fat dairy products;
• leafy greens;
• dark chocolate.

See also 💧⚓️💍

Latent edema. How fluid retention hurts weight loss | Beauty Secrets | Health

The so-called edema of the subcutaneous fat appears due to the consumption of salty, sweet or alcoholic foods. This is not the kind of swelling when the eyes turn into slits in the morning or the feet do not fit into the shoes in the evening. In our case, excess water is evenly distributed throughout the subcutaneous layer of fat cells, and is not collected in one zone.You will not see such edema with the naked eye, except that the wrinkles on the face will be slightly smoothed out, and the rings and bracelets will become a little cramped. Objectively, a person feels that the clothes have begun to sit tight, it is more difficult to bend over, and the stretch has worsened.

Where does

come from

Salt is the main cause of fluid retention. It is found not only in the salt shaker, but also in many other dishes. For a healthy diet, it is recommended to consume 5-6 g of salt (one teaspoon) per day. This is the amount that we add to soup, porridge and other dishes.But salt enters the body not only from the salt shaker, but also with food. There is a lot of it in marinades, pickles, cheese, sausages, bread and other dishes. If you are a fan of this kind of food, evenly distributed swelling can be your problem. In this case, weight loss will slow down significantly.

What is bad

The retained fluid clogs the cells, slowing down the metabolism in it, and hence the breakdown of fat. In addition, fluid stagnation is almost always cellulite, and then problems with blood vessels.Excess fluid also puts an increased strain on the heart.

In principle, the body is able to remove excess fluid on its own. If you overeat salty one time, then after 1-2 days the figure will return to its previous shape. However, a lot also depends on the individual tendency of your body to retain fluid.

In any case, limiting salt to one teaspoon per day and expelling salty foods from the diet during weight loss is the right decision. Don’t forget about the sodium-potassium counterbalance.It promotes the removal of excess fluid from the body without any diuretic drugs that cannot be used without a doctor’s prescription. There is a lot of potassium in greens and leafy vegetables, bananas, potatoes. If it is not hot outside and you do not sweat during sports training, it is useful to limit the amount you drink to 1-1.5 liters per day.

How to deal

There are a few more specific techniques that are needed for those who are hindered by latent puffiness from losing weight.

• When starting to lose weight, spend 3-4 days on a salt-free diet.That is, avoid not only salt, but also foods high in sodium. You can spend a fasting day, for example, on milk. During the day, you need to drink 800 ml of warm milk in 8 doses (100 ml each) – it works as a mild natural diuretic. On this day, you can add 2 baked potatoes, 1 piece of white bread, one egg to milk. Or carry out a potassium discharge, that is, eat foods high in potassium. For example, during the day, eat 50 g of soaked dried apricots, 5-6 bananas.
• Go to the sauna or bathhouse to sweat well (of course, if there are no contraindications to this). In the steam room, the body heats up, the vessels expand, the blood circulation increases – and the excess fluid leaves not only through the kidneys, but also through the skin with sweat. If this is not possible, you can take a hot bath with sea salt, it also helps to remove excess fluid.
• Go swimming or water aerobics. Water pressure improves blood circulation – just what is needed to remove excess fluid.Any walking is also good, just walking in the fresh air, rollerblading or cycling, jogging. Remember, any load during fluid retention should involve as many muscles as possible, that is, walking is preferable to swinging the press. Don’t go for hard workouts. Leave them until the time when the fluid is gone and thus the load on the musculoskeletal system and heart is reduced.

Actress, TV presenter Anna Oris

– I do exercises every day for 15-40 minutes or go to hatha yoga, dancing, cycling.I also eat 5 times a day in small portions (sweets, salty, less fatty ones), I drink at least two liters of water a day. And of course, I do various massages, body wraps, scrubs, including at home.

See also:

90,000 Water retention in the body: causes and remedies –

Most experts recommend drinking about two liters of water per day. But you should not take this value as an axiom.Much depends on the lifestyle, physical activity, nutrition and age of the person. However, it must be remembered that dehydration, as well as fluid retention in the body, can be symptoms or causes of any disease. Therefore, both of these conditions cannot be ignored.

Main causes of water retention :

Power errors

Improper diet and especially the consumption of foods high in sodium leads to increased thirst and excess water accumulation in the body.The main source is table salt, as well as processed foods such as: canned food, sausages, biscuits, sodas, fast food.

Excessive salt content is often not noticed by the consumer. And they start sounding the alarm when water retention occurs. In order to slightly balance the sodium balance in the body, it is advisable to eat foods high in potassium, such as bananas and spinach.

Sedentary

A sedentary lifestyle or work associated with a long stay in a standing or sitting position can provoke the appearance of swelling of the legs at the end of the day.This is due to the fact that in the absence of movement, blood circulation is impaired. This in turn causes stagnation in the lymphatic system and surrounding tissues.

Therefore, the correct decision would be to pause at regular intervals, changing the position of the body. If possible, you need to do a little exercise or just walk along the corridor or stairs. Thanks to this, blood circulation in the lower extremities will improve and the problem can be prevented.

If it is not possible to correct the situation during the day, having come home from work in the evening, it is necessary to do a relaxing massage for the lower extremities.The use of various creams and ointments-venotonic is also quite justified. Don’t forget about the sea salt foot bath.

Medicines

Medicines, especially those with an antihypertensive effect, as well as analgesics or antidepressants, can cause water retention in the body. Especially if the patient does not adhere to the hydration regimen prescribed by the healthcare professional. And the systemic treatment taken by cancer patients can have undesirable consequences in the form of numerous edema.Moreover, their body is weakened and imbalanced due to radiation and / or chemotherapy.

Water retention also occurs during corticotherapy. Puffiness appears on the eyelids, lower limbs, or fingers. In this connection, patients complain of severe discomfort when wearing wedding (or other) rings. Therefore, when the attending physician prescribes therapy with corticosteroid drugs, it is recommended to limit the consumption of salt and sweets.

Hormonal fluctuations

An imbalance of hormones, often in women in the premenstrual period or even in the middle of the cycle, can be accompanied by symptoms of fluid retention.However, it must be borne in mind that after the end of menstruation, these manifestations should disappear.

If the situation with fluid retention does not improve after the end of the menstrual cycle, it is advisable to seek the advice of a specialist. Since, most likely, this is not a hormonal imbalance, but a pathological process that requires treatment.

Venous insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is necessarily accompanied by edema in the affected limbs plus pain or other trophic and vascular complications that can threaten the patient’s life if not immediately intervened.

Water retention: other causes

Other possible causes of fluid retention in the body:

• excessive alcohol consumption;
• Certain liver diseases;
• thyroid dysfunction;
• Certain kidney diseases;
• arterial hypertension;
• diagnosed heart failure in the elderly;
• allergic reaction to any kind of trigger;
• hormonal imbalance in young people.

Water retention: signs

The most common symptoms that accompany water retention are swelling in the lower and upper extremities. But it should be noted that in pregnant and menstruating women, these symptoms are physiological and subsequently resolve without problems.

Other important characteristics:

• weight gain for an unexplained reason;
• pain and inflammation of the joints; 90 074 90 073 recurrent migraines; 90 074
• breathing problems;
• Constant feeling of fullness and bloating;
• skin of the limbs with a brighter and more elastic texture;
• Feeling of heaviness in the legs;
• Swelling of fingers and inability to wear rings anymore.

Water Retention: Prevention and Remedy

• Introduce a healthy lifestyle while limiting salt and sugar intake.
• After drug treatment with drugs that retain fluid, diuretics may be used. However, only after consulting a doctor.
• Wearing special compression stockings to help ensure good venous circulation.
• Raising the legs on a pillow at night to facilitate the outflow of venous blood and relieve fatigue from the lower extremities.
• Walking daily for 30 minutes or light exercise to train the muscles of the lower limbs during the day.
• Avoiding excessive consumption of carbohydrates and the use of an individual diet developed by a specialist.
• Moderate consumption of fruits and vegetables to replenish potassium deficiency, which helps balance excess sodium in the body.
• Refusal to drink coffee and alcohol.
• Increased water intake, which unexpectedly helps to eliminate excess salt present in the body.
• Consumption of teas, especially those with a diuretic effect, which can balance the sodium content and at the same time help to eliminate the emerging edema.

This article is for informational purposes only. If there are repeated signs of fluid retention in the body, you should consult a doctor.

Take care of yourself and be healthy!

90,000 Swelling: where do they come from and how to deal with them

Swelling the next morning after a couple of glasses of wine? Gaining weight before your period? Having trouble getting into your shoes after a flight? Then this text about edema is for you.

First, a little theory. Everyone knows that about 60% of an adult’s body weight is liquid. But not everyone has heard that it is different: about 2/3 is in the cells (intracellular) and about 1/3 “lives” in the extracellular space and is the internal environment of the body. Extracellular fluids are of three types:

• Fluid in the intercellular spaces of different tissues (about 25% of body weight).
• Intercellular fluid of blood plasma and lymph (about 4% of body weight).
• Transcellular fluids: cerebrospinal fluid, perilymph and endolymph of the inner ear, gastrointestinal fluids, etc. (1.3 – 1.5% of body weight).

The intercellular fluid is in constant motion and performs a transport function. It delivers nutrients (glucose, amino acids, etc.), oxygen, hormones throughout the body, and also removes waste and toxins from cells.

Intracellular fluid is responsible for homeostasis (self-regulation of the body), transformation, storage and use of energy, replication (reproduction) of cells.

Intercellular and intracellular fluids differ greatly in composition. The first contains more sodium and chlorine, the second – potassium and magnesium. In order for our body to function correctly, the balance between these two fluids is very important. Unfortunately, it is very fragile and not difficult to break.

Even a slight violation of this balance leads to hypervolemia or, in a simpler way, to edema. Edema is an excess accumulation of fluid in the extracellular space. Often, swelling occurs if you have too much salt or drunk alcohol the day before.If this is not your case, then the more serious causes of edema can be conditionally divided into two groups:

• Conditions accompanied by sodium retention (hormonal disorders, heart failure, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, the use of certain medications, for example, corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory drugs) …
• Hypoproteinemia or lack of proteins in the plasma (occurs in diseases of the liver and kidneys, in cases of capillary permeability disorders, for example, due to infections or allergies, as well as in case of lymph flow disorders).

Understanding the causes of edema can be quite difficult. Most often, there are several such reasons, and their combination causes fluid retention. Therefore, the first and main advice: in no case do not fight edema on your own, and even more so do not drink diuretics without a doctor’s prescription. This can have catastrophic consequences for the kidneys and even greater edema. Therefore, if swelling began to appear regularly, and this is not associated with a love of pickles and alcohol or frequent flights, immediately sign up for a consultation with an endocrinologist.

But there are still general recommendations for dealing with edema:

1. Do not rely on salty and alcohol.
2. Drink water. Paradoxically, it is often insufficient drinking that causes swelling, since the body simply does not have time to remove toxins.
3. Monitor the composition of the water you drink. Avoid mineral water and tap water in favor of the dining room or nursery. An increase in the concentration of minerals, beneficial trace elements, sodium, chlorine and any impurities, not only harmful, can lead to fluid retention in the body.

Well, in addition, keep an eye on the hormonal background, because often it is its disturbances that cause edema, both independently and by affecting capillary permeability. Refusing salt alone in such cases will not help matters, but a competent endocrinologist will prescribe medications that will solve the problem quickly and painlessly.

If you are worried about swelling before your period, or because of frequent flights, or for no reason at all – you can and should fight this! Make an appointment with us and forget about swelling!

Possible causes, symptoms and treatment features

Fluid retention in the body, the causes of which can be many, is the body’s ability to regulate its functions.Most often, excess fluid turns into edema, which can be seen on the limbs or under the eyes. In addition, you can feel it by getting on the scales and seeing a few extra pounds on them.

Retention of fluid in the body: causes

Water accumulation can be accompanied by several reasons, having dealt with which, you can solve this problem.

Very often fluid retention occurs due to hormonal imbalance. This can be influenced by environmental conditions.

Causes of edema and fluid retention in the body may be the result of previous illnesses. Such diseases are most often chronic or caused by bacteria. It is highly discouraged to reduce the amount of water consumed as much as possible and wait until they dissolve on their own. Be sure to see a doctor.

Very often, especially women, are afraid of gaining excess weight due to water and reduce its consumption to a minimum. However, the body interprets such an alarming signal in its own way and begins to accumulate fluid.

Fluid retention in the body, the causes of which lie in the use of diuretics, is another problem for females. A strong desire to get rid of excess water, on the contrary, leads to its accumulation and swelling.

Failure to comply with the water-salt balance is another reason. A healthy person can consume about fifteen grams of salt per day. In the heat of summer and during sports, this figure can be increased, since a large amount of minerals is excreted from the body during the process of sweating.To remove all accumulated salt, you need to drink as much water as possible.

The reasons for fluid retention in the human body very often affect its performance. A lot of people drink water before bed without thinking about the consequences. Swelling awaits you in the morning, and your kidneys and liver will be weaker and weaker each time. Drink water until 7 p.m. After this time, try to limit its consumption.

Another reason for the appearance of edema is a sedentary lifestyle.Without muscle activity, it is very difficult for the body to get rid of excess fluid, which is why it is sometimes very difficult to put on tight shoes in the evening.

About food

Retention of fluid in the body, the causes of which are associated with an unhealthy diet, very easily disappears. The main thing is to adjust your diet.

Try not to buy ready-made meals in the store and do not eat fast foods. They all contain preservatives that will make your problem worse.

Limit the consumption of chips, crackers, salted nuts, fried and canned foods, and all types of sweets.Dried fruits are an exception. Try to use them as often as possible.

Try to reduce the amount of foods containing margarine and yeast. Do not use factory-made sauces. Smoked fish, meat and sausages have a bad effect on the human body. Eliminate soda and alcohol altogether, and the result will not be long in coming.

What can be the consequences

First of all, the aesthetics of your body will be violated: the limbs and face will swell, bags under the eyes will appear.Excess weight, fatigue and poor health will be found. In addition to external signs, there may be internal ones, such as problems with organs.

Edema can also appear with too much fluid. For example, a healthy adult needs to drink about two liters of water a day. During sports, this figure may increase slightly. If you drink more liquid, then in the morning you will see puffiness and weight gain.

How to remove fluid from the body

The reasons for the delay must be found out, because this is the key to a successful solution to the problem.In some cases, simply changing your diet is enough. Reduce the amount of fried, sweet, smoked, and salty, and you’ll be amazed at the results. Drink only purified water. It’s better to forget about sweet sodas altogether. They cause irreparable harm to the body.

Play sports and walk as much as possible. So you get rid of not only excess fluid, but also of fat accumulation. Walking for half an hour will help strengthen your legs and relieve puffiness.

How to remove excess fluid with food

How to deal with fluid retention in the body? Very simple! You just need to choose the right products.Foods containing fiber and potassium will help cope with swelling. Eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Look especially for watermelon, apricot, strawberries, pumpkin, courgettes, and eggplant. Freshly squeezed vegetable juices are ideal homemade diuretics. A couple of times a month you can arrange a fasting day and eat only watermelon or cucumbers. But don’t do this if you have kidney problems.

Replace black tea with hibiscus.Eat muesli and porridge.

Continuous use of these products will cleanse your body and get rid of excess fluid.

Swelling in women

The reasons for fluid retention in a woman’s body are individual, they may depend on different circumstances.

If the reason lies in hormones, then it is worth trying to correct the overall hormonal background. Doctors recommend passing the appropriate tests, deeply understanding the problem. Before menstruation, the hormone estrogen accumulates in the blood, which has the ability to accumulate salt.That is why the liquid does not come out, edema forms.

Doctors recommend replenishing the body’s reserves of magnesium and vitamin B6. With their help, it is much easier to maintain the water-salt balance. If the swelling subsides with the onset of menstruation, then do not worry. This is a normal natural process. This problem can be easily solved with the help of birth control pills.

If the edema does not go away, this indicates the presence of serious problems: varicose veins, vascular disease, lymph nodes and heart.Whatever the reason, be sure to contact a specialist with it.

Diets

In no case do not sit on rigid diets that guarantee the loss of excess fluid. Any dietary restrictions are severe stress for the whole organism. After all, you may get rid of edema, but in return you will acquire many other problems. Just try to eat right, arrange a fasting day several times a month. Drink plenty of clean water, do not forget about green tea and hibiscus drink.

The use of folk remedies

Fluid retention in the body (the reasons, treatment are described in this article) can disappear if you use folk methods of treatment. Replace harmful coffee with medicinal decoctions of mint, lingonberry, caraway seeds, rose hips or lemon balm.

You can use diuretic herbs such as horsetail, barberry, elderberry, or arnica flowers. Just keep in mind that these funds have a very strong effect. The main thing is not to overdo it with the dose. Don’t buy herbs from the market.A large amount of dust accumulates on them. Shop only at the pharmacy. They must be accompanied by instructions for use. You can also buy ready-made herbal formulations that have a diuretic effect.

Check out a few recipes that you can use at home. Their effect will not differ from that of expensive drugs.

1. Take one tablespoon of dill seeds and cover with a glass of boiling water. Wait thirty minutes.Drink one tablespoon two to three times a day.
2. A decoction of lingonberry or rose hips is excellent. Brew them and drink them just like tea.
3. Pour two tablespoons of dry birch leaves with a glass of boiling water. Strain the cooled broth, add a pinch of salt. Sip several times a day.

Visit the sauna or bath regularly. This will help you get rid of excess water, salt and body fat. A fun company will make this process very enjoyable.

Visit the massage parlor.A good massage will activate the metabolism and improve blood circulation. The swelling of the body will quickly subside.

Medicines

Excess fluid in the body, the reasons for the accumulation of which depend on lifestyle and hormonal levels, can be absorbed by the use of medications. But in no case should you prescribe medication yourself. Undergo comprehensive treatment and find out the cause with the help of specialists.

There are drugs that can instantly remove excess fluid.These include: “Diursan”, “Diuver” and others. These medicines are used for a short period of time, because not only the body’s water reserves are exhausted, but also mineral reserves.

Do not self-medicate, as the combination of some medications is unacceptable.

Another reason for getting edema is cold clothes during severe frosts. The protective functions of the body are activated, as a result of which it intensively accumulates fluid. Please note that all medications are selected individually, based on the reasons and the tolerance of the components.What suits your neighbor can be disastrous for you.

What to do if fluid is retained during travel

Many tourists traveling by car or plane are concerned about the issue of swelling of the lower extremities. To prevent this from happening, get up as often as possible. If possible, get out of the car: walk or dance. This way you will not allow excess fluid to accumulate in your legs and give yourself a boost of good travel mood.

Fluid retention is a serious problem that can significantly affect quality of life.