Symptoms
As a rule, the water accumulation on the legs is painless and is only recognized by the swelling. However, it is possible that the swelling causes a feeling of tension and heaviness in the affected leg area. Patients describe the pressing shoes and tight pants as particularly disturbing. Especially in the evening, patients complain of an increased feeling of heaviness due to the increased water retention.
Therapy
Depending on the cause of water retention in the legs, this should first be identified and treated. The therapy of water retention as a result of cardiac insufficiency, kidney or liver disease initially aims to flush out the excessive fluid. This flushing out can take place in the form of dehydrating medication (diuretics).
If the accumulation of fluid in the legs is due to kidney failure, kidney replacement therapy such as dialysis can also be used. In the case of a lymphatic drainage disorder, water retention is treated by physiotherapeutic procedures such as lymph drainage or wearing compression stockings or bandages. In addition, patients should actively elevate their legs to reduce swelling and facilitate the removal of accumulated fluid.
If the cause of water retention is a hormonal imbalance with a dominance of the female sex hormone estrogen, antiestrogenic treatment may be considered depending on the severity of the problem.As an additional and long-term therapeutic measure against most types of water retention, sufficient exercise (swimming, running, cycling, etc.) and a balanced and liquid-rich diet should be ensured. During pregnancy, measures such as elevating the legs, especially after long periods of standing or sitting, wearing support stockings, footbaths or alternating showers/baths or regular exercise in the form of swimming, cycling or walking can prevent or reduce water retention. During pregnancy, care should also be taken to ensure an adequate fluid intake (mineral water, unsweetened tea or fruit spritzer) and a balanced diet.
Prognosis
The prognosis of water retention in the legs varies greatly and depends very much on the underlying cause and the success of the therapy. For example, water retention in the legs caused by hormonal cycle fluctuations or by pregnancy has a very good prognosis and tendency to regress, whereas water retention caused by heart failure or kidney disease usually only disappears when the underlying disease is treated. If the water retention is caused by a so-called lymphedema, it is quite possible that the symptoms can only be alleviated by regular lymphatic drainage, bandages and compression stockings, but the water retention will not disappear.
