Water retention: the most frequent cause
Sometimes, the body retains too much fluid. This can stem from several minor daily imbalances:
Sitting or standing for too long
A diet too high in salt
Insufficient hydration
Hormonal changes (menstruation, pregnancy, etc.)
The best solution: elevate your legs and drink water. Sometimes, that’s all the body needs to regain its balance!
Slowed blood circulation
When blood doesn’t circulate well, fluid can stagnate, especially in the legs:
Venous problems (varicose veins, fragile valves)
Heart failure
Presence of a blood clot (venous thrombosis)
In this case, the swelling is often localized to one side and is accompanied by pain or a feeling of heaviness.
Sluggish kidneys or liver
These two organs regulate fluids in the body. When they are not functioning optimally:
The kidneys may allow too much sodium and water to pass through.
The liver may cause fluid to leak into the tissues.
Widespread and persistent swelling may indicate that a medical evaluation is necessary.
