Edema, also known as water retention, is the accumulation of fluids in the body. It often occurs in the feet and ankles, but any part of the body can experience it. Persistent retention of fluid may be caused by kidney, bladder, heart or liver disfuctionalities. The Bloating or Swelling, which occurs due to this illness, can cause muscle aches and pains. Persistent retention in which little “pits” appear in the feet and ankles after being pressed with the fingers indicates a serious problem. The medical term for this is Edema, and it can be a sign of many different diseases.

Edema is known as a symptom of certain underlying disorders, mainly water retention. Some of these disorders have certain characteristic symptoms in addition to leg or ankle swelling, while some have no symptoms, at least in the early stages. The following conditions may include Edema among their symptoms, but Edema by itself should not lead to conclude that there is a more serious disorder.

• Cirrhosis - Damage to the liver over a long period. It has no symptoms in its early stages, but can eventually result in loss of weight and appetite, nausea, swollen legs, ankles, and abdomen; itching; jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes); and more severe symptoms as the disease progresses.
• Eczema -
Also called stasis dermatitis. Inflammation of the skin causing itchiness and patches of thickened skin. Eczema can cause rashes in infants. Edema would be localized. Excessive salt intake - accumulation of fluids in the space outside cells in response to increased sodium in the diet, usually in conjunction with an underlying condition.
• Infections -
Any infection or irritation of your soft tissue can cause localized Edema.
• Gout -
A condition of the joints, especially in the big toe, causing red, swollen, warm, and very painful joints.
• Renal failure -
Severe kidney failure that may be characterized initially by decreased urination, weight gain, swelling due to Edema, loss of appetite, and nausea/vomiting. Requires medical attention.
• Varicose veins -
Bluish-purple, knotted veins, usually in the legs, that cause itchiness or discomfort and possibly swollen feet and ankles.
• Hormonal fluctuation -
Accumulation of fluid due to a change in hormones. Examples include the swelling that occurs during pregnancy as well as the premenstrual phase of a woman's monthly cycle.
• Lymph Edema -
Accumulation of fluid in cancer patients related to the removal of lymph nodes.

Water retention usually occurs when the body has more salt (sodium) than normal. This causes water from within the cells to travel outside the cells in order to dilute the sodium concentration there. The problem is worsened after eating salty food, because the person feels thirsty and drinks more water.

Women are especially susceptible to Water retention due to the hormonal fluctuation of their menstrual cycle. The monthly increase in the production of estrogen causes a secondary increase in the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone causes the kidney to retain fluids, making some women temporarily gain a few pounds each month. Estrogen replacement therapy causes similar hormonal fluctuation in postmenopausal women.

Water retention can also happen when the heart, kidney, liver, or thyroid malfunctions. Fluid accumulates in the spaces between cells when the vital organs collect more fluid within the body than they are able to eliminate. Because of gravity, this is most common in the ankles, feet, and legs.

Triggers of Edema 

• Premenstrual phase or other hormonal fluctuations in women 
• Intake of large amounts of fluid 
• Heart or kidney failure

Based on the kind of Edema you have, as well as the accompanying signs and symptoms, you and your doctor can discern its underlying cause. Then you can take adequate measures to treat the underlying cause of the Edema. Several self-care strategies can supplement conventional treatments.

Diets high in sodium should be avoided. Taking exercise also helps and besides that dietary modifications are a must. Avoid foods that are high in sodium. These include French fries, pepperoni pizza, potato chips, and most fast foods. Salad dressings, canned soups, and cereals are also high in sodium. If the problem is related to kidney disease, doctors will likely recommend a diet low in fats and proteins. Alcohol should be used in moderation, and if illness is related to liver disease, avoided completely.

You can get a pretty good idea about how your own weight variations due to fluctuation in fluid retention by checking your weight first thing in the morning and at bedtime. Do this every day for two weeks and consider taking the written record to your doctor for advice. Remember that the picture can vary with your diet. Vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates have quite a bit more water in them than fats and proteins. How much salt you use will make a difference since it causes your body to retain water. Your physical activity will make a difference also. The more active you are, the more water you get rid of. Remember too, that gravity has an effect on the amount of fluids you will notice in yourself. After you have been in bed all night, you will see and feel more swelling in your face and hands. By bedtime, this fluid will gravitate to your feet and legs, so you will see and feel it there. When it is very prominent, you can press your thumb firmly against the side of the shinbone, hold for a half-minute and note that a thimble-sized dimple will be left behind.

Control of Edema is assumed to be paramount in assisting the prevention of wounds as well as facilitating wound healing. As a tribute to this concept, studies illustrating the effectiveness of wound healing in venous ulcers without compression to control Edema are virtually nonexistent. Edema in venous ulcers has been classically said to contribute to the susceptibility of the limb to skin breakdown and poor healing. Poor epithelialization and decreased immune defense have been implicated as causative factors for problems in Edematous limbs. Edema has also been associated with poor wound healing in Vitamin deficiency, particularly Vitamin C. In many instances, treatment of Edema itself may assist in wound healing and prevention even when the underlying process may not be well controlled.

Corn silk exhibits its beneficial effects in swelling and reducing the accumulation of excess fluid. ^{1, 2, 3} Parsley shows its favorable effects in edematous conditions of the body. ^{1, 3} Rose hips and Butcher’s broom also provides their beneficial effects in removing excess water from the body. ^{1, 4, 5}