Up to 60 per cent of the human body is water. If your body’s hydration levels are not correctly balanced, your tissues may start to retain fluid. This condition is known as water retention or oedema, and often results in swollen ankles, feet, hands and legs (known as “localised oedema”), but it can also cause puffiness all over the body as well as a general feeling of weightiness (“general oedema”). It’s a common problem that can affect adult men and women equally.
Water retention can be triggered by a wide range of factors. It can be down to too much salt in the diet, too much hot weather, and/or sitting or standing too long in one position for too long (e.g. during long flights), which causes excess water to pool in the legs or feet. It can also be a symptom of other medical conditions or a side-effect from certain medications. Pregnant women are also susceptible to it due to the hormonal changes they experience. Or we may simply be prone to the complaint due to family genetics.
You should always seek further medical advice to identify the root cause of oedema in case it is linked to other medical ailments. However, one possible solution for draining excess liquid is lymphatic drainage with shock wave therapy. You would need a consultation with the doctor in order to discuss your suitability for this treatment.