Water Retention in Legs

Water or fluid retention in legs and ankles is known as peripheral edema, which is the swelling of tissues due to excess fluid in the body. The swelling is painless and may affect both legs, calves and even the thighs. Because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly visible in the lower extremities of the body. Now let's see cause, symptoms and ways to get rid of fluid retention in the lower limbs.

Cause of Edema in Legs
There are a number of fluid retention causes. You will see that some of the causes are relatively not serious while there are others which should not be neglected.

• Standing for an extended period of time or sitting with legs left hanging for prolonged periods of time, especially in hot weather, causes excess fluid accumulation in the legs and ankles.
• The body tends to be lethargic and is less efficient at removing fluid from tissues during the summers which often leads to edema.
• Venous insufficiency is caused due to weakened valves in the legs, which causes varicose veins and fluid build up.
• Burns cause the skin to retain fluids and swell in response to burn injuries that include sun burns.
• A number of women experience edema prior to their menstrual cycle.
• Fluid build-up occurs during pregnancy as the uterus puts pressure on the major blood vessel which returns blood to the heart from the legs. Some hormones can also encourage the body to hold on to excess fluids giving rise to this condition. A more serious condition, called pre-eclampsia, may also give rise to fluid retention during pregnancy.
• Low protein levels in the blood, which is caused either due to malnutrition, kidney or liver diseases, leads to edema in legs, ankles, etc.
• Certain drugs and medication are known to cause fluid retention.
• If the heart is not able to pump blood effectively, the body starts to retain fluid and increases the blood volume. This leads to congestion in the veins, enlargement of the liver and accumulation of fluid.
• Chronic lung disease puts excessive pressure on the right ventricle, causing this problem.
• Cancerous tumors, which block structures of the lymphatic system, like the lymph nodes, etc., may also lead to edema.
• Hypothyroidism can also lead to fluid retention.
• Joints affected by certain types of arthritis tend to swell due to fluid retention.

Symptoms of Water Retention in Legs

• Aches in the affected body parts.
• Rapid and sudden weight gain over a period of a few days or weeks.
• Unexplained fluctuation in weight.
• When the skin in the affected area is pressed, the skin may hold the indent made for a few seconds.

Treating Fluid Retention in Legs
The treatment focuses on correcting the underlying cause of fluid accumulation.

• Low salt diet is often the first step to get rid of the accumulated fluid in legs. Avoiding excessive intake of fluid often also helps in bringing the condition under control.
• If, along with fluid build-up and swelling, the person is also short of breath, then the person may be recommended to lie down keeping the legs at an elevated level. This will help in reducing the swelling.
• If swollen legs and ankles are caused due to pregnancy, the lady will be asked to place the legs on an elevation which will help in normalizing blood flow and decrease swelling.
• Application of warm mustard oil on the affected area is one of the most commonly used home remedies.
• Soak two teaspoons of mustard seeds in water overnight and apply the solution on the affected areas to get relief.
• Apple cider vinegar is also said to be beneficial in treating fluid retention in legs.
• Foods low in carbohydrates should be consumed as carbohydrates are high in water content.
• Regular exercise will help you get rid of excessive fluid in body cells.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided.

If you suffer from edema in legs, it is important you get the problem checked by your healthcare professional to rule out any serious condition and treat the problem in time.