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How to Get Rid of Fluid Retention in the Legs

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: January 20, 2017
How to Get Rid of Fluid Retention in the Legs

Fluid retention is the result of an accumulation of water and toxins that the body needs to eliminate, but does not have the capacity to do so. This problem can affect various parts of the body and when it affects the legs, they start to become more swollen, heavy and may even experience cramps and discomfort. If you suspect you might be retaining fluid or this condition already haunts you every day, pay attention to the tips in this OneHowTo article in which we help you find out how to eliminate fluid retention in the legs.

You may also be interested in: How to Get Rid of Fluid Retention Naturally
Steps to follow:
1

When the legs, ankles or feet swell, causing heaviness, tiredness and even discomfort, it is likely you suffer from fluid retention in the lower extremities. If this condition is prolonged, it is essential to see a doctor to determine the exact cause and prevent more serious health problems.

2

As we have noted, changing some habits may favour the elimination of fluid retention in the legs. And among the most important and effective are changes to your daily diet; also essential to improve your health. On the one hand, you are advised to reduce your salt intake at meals and avoid foods high in sugars and saturated fats. Furthermore, foods rich in potassium and low sodium should be particularly include and you should increase consumption of vegetables and fruits.

How to Get Rid of Fluid Retention in the Legs - Step 2
3

Healthy eating won't combat fluid retention without being combined with routine exercise. This is key to exercise muscles and improve blood circulation at the same time. Opt for activities where you have to put the lower extremities in motion such as running, swimming, cycling or dancing lessons and toning.

How to Get Rid of Fluid Retention in the Legs - Step 3
4

Adequate hydration is imperative to eliminate toxins and cleanse the body, so drinking plenty of water throughout the day will also help to eliminate fluid retention in the legs. You can also complete hydration with some juices that are perfect for stimulating the removal of fluid and reduce swelling and heaviness that causes this condition. You can also drink teas which will help you eliminate all the toxines you don't need.

5

When the retention occurs mainly in the legs, you will want to try to keep them slightly elevated while you are sitting or try to lift them up several times a day if you are working. It is also not advisable to use clothes that are too tight because they impede blood flow and circulation which worsens this condition.

6

Fluid retention is a major cause of the onset of cellulite in some areas of the body. And in addition to the above tips, there are very effective aesthetic treatments for both problems as in the case of lymphatic drainage. This is a therapeutic massage through which the water content in the body is balanced, eliminating the excesses and addressing poor circulation, cellulite, heavy legs, etc. It is important that this process is carried out by a specialist to receive all the benefits.

How to Get Rid of Fluid Retention in the Legs - Step 6
7

Fluid retention is accentuated during pregnancy and menopause, so it's important to take care of it even more during these periods.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Get Rid of Fluid Retention in the Legs, we recommend you visit our Healthy living category.

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18 comments
Rating:
Lorena Vocca
Heavy use of IV antibiotics in a recent hospital stay has resulted in severe ankle and calf swelling. It has been over two weeks and left achilles tendon is still swollen and sore. Right leg has returned to normal.
Walking is painful. Any ideas?
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Aj
Thank good information
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Lorraine Patricia Hassall
is this what could be causing severe cramp in my legs
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Steve French
This is commonly known as edema
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Vicky
I have a heart murmur and I avoid salt, sugar, fats and caffeine because it causes me to get swelling and vertigo. So if you have trouble avoid the above.
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Norma
I have over the last few weeks, after getting covid19 and flu shots. I have now got swelling in middle tummy upper legs and lower legs as well as my feet sometimes on tops of feet it kind of hurts. I hahave some essential oils that does help some but I still feel bloated. I am retaining fluid. My kidneys andnd transplanted liver are fine I have tests done regularly as well as a recent MRI which came back fine how do I help in getting rid of my swelling. I am trying to become more active as I am kind of sedentary due to lock downs however I am trying to get on my bike 15 min or so a day and watch my salt intake. I massage my legs which helps some too. I want to get rid of it.
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masud kader
thank you was helpful
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Fletcher D. Lockridge
Sent this message that iam reading.
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kathleen lyons
I am delighted to read the article in 2020 of July my left leg was very swilled up and I went to my GP and he said it was bits I had I know it was not and gave an antibot took them and know change so I went back same thing more antibot this went on for 6 months I want in to hospital in October with a reading of 8.2 for blood colt and was in with the GP that morning I had ambition above the knee in march 2020
Stephen French
You need to check your spelling
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rj stokan
thank you. you are very helpful.
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Sondra Lucente
Good information. I suffer with Lymphadic condition since late teens and one leg worse than the other!!!!
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Naomi lees
I’m standing long hours on my feet mostly in the one spot when l get home from work my thighs knees and ankles are so swollen l can hardly bend them to get up the starts I’m starting the week off weighing a certain weight and by the end of the week l’m at least 5 pounds heavier on the scales which l don’t understand as l suffer from a eating disorder and eat very little calories can u advise me on what you think is wrong and how I can fix it thanks
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Sel Martin
how does Dr know if i have fluid I not overweight dont have really swollen feet only if been on them all day have had heart probs yet drs keep prescribimg fluid pills even though my weight is consistent when he weighs me. Also i fluid pills seem to give BAD leg cramps
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Laura Jeanne
Love the article and all the links to various articles thru out... Very Informative and in my case, Life Saving Information❣ Thank You.....
OneHowTo Editor
We are glad we could provide some helpful information for you!
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Thomas Taylor
This is grate news, thank you for the Imfo i give a ten,
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vincent olivadese
I have had fluid in my legs and feet for 5 months.Please help.
Imogene T Maggard
I have been to a couple of drs and have an appt to see a heart dr thursday. What can it be
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Steve
I have liquid oozing from my swollen legs. What sort of consultant. Should I see?
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Steve,

It depends, it could be a dermatological condition, but it could also be something else, so going to general practitioner first will allow you to be referred to the right specialist.
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sheila davis
what is good to take for the pain
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Sheila
If your fluid retention in your legs is causing you pain, you will need to speak to a doctor about prescribing you with a pain reliever. You can generally take an over the counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as Ibuprofen. However, we always recommend consulting your doctor beforehand.
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