Edema, or fluid retention, is a condition when water is gathered in the body and is able to influence the work of organs and tissues. The most frequently affected parts and organs are legs, hands and eyes. The effect of such water accumulation and retention can be enfeebling in some people.

Swollen ankles are a normal experience for almost every person. But, although, the condition usually looks the same, it frequently has different reasons. Here are enumerated some of them.

• Swollen ankles are the most frequent case after sitting for too long (i.e. in a long flights or bus-tours) and also standing for too long. In the former case the muscles are not enabled into any action and therefore do not pump blood to the heart; in the latter case gravitation makes fluid stay in the lower part of the legs, which makes them swell.
• Premenstrual syndrome or pregnancy can also cause water retention. Excess of fluid in the organism is evoked by the hormonal change and also due to hypertension as well. Another possible reason in such a condition is the activity of estrogen contained in birth control pills.
• Chronic venous insufficiency can lead to water retention. This happens when vein valves get weakened and are unable to pump blood to the heart, which initiates retention.
• Medication administration triggers edema as well. Especially this refers to the following drugs: antidepressants, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hypertension and diabetes medicines.
• Heart, kidney and liver diseases, ankle and rheumatoid arthritis, also cardiomyopathy and gout can be a reason of fluid retention in the organism.
• Any type of injury to the ankle or shin bone is able to lead to edema, and, possibly, infection afterwards.
• Insufficient activity, lack of exercise is a definite reason of fluid retention. The body needs workouts in order that all its parts work properly and do not become stuck. When you train you help leg veins t pump blood back to the heart and prevent water retention.
• Excess of sodium intake and insufficient intake of proteins can cause the condition as well. Protein deficiency will lead to attraction of water from the tissues back, which in turn, will evoke water retention.

In order to treat the condition rightly it is essential to find out the real reason that triggers it. A proper diagnosis will help to prescribe the necessary therapy and medications. But you can also take some measures. First of all, your salt intake should be reduced as excess of it will definitely do no good and is most probably fraught with water retention. You may also be prescribed to administer some diuretics; but be very careful with them. Try more exercises and make some changes to your diet. Workouts will strengthen the muscles and prevent the accumulation of fluid and a healthy diet is good in any way.

Mind that a constant condition is a reason to become worried and should not be neglected. If you suffer from water retention for a long time and do not see the obvious reason go and check with the physician. Other symptoms that should be reported to a doctor: decreased urine output, fever and feet that are warm to touch. Do not waste your time as this can be fraught with some serious complications.