Signs of Retaining Water
Water retention, also known as edema, not only causes puffiness in various parts of your body, but may also give you pain and discomfort that make your daily life more difficult. There are many causes of water retention, many of them due to hormonal changes, but often times people suffer from edema with no apparent cause at all. When you know the signs of water retention, you can make lifestyle changes that will hopefully rid you of the problem.
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Puffiness
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One of the first and most common signs of water retention is to have puffiness in your feet, ankles and legs. This is most noticeable when wearing tight-fitting clothing that does not fit as it did before, or loose clothing that now feels tight. Pay attention to the way your shoes fit as well; this helps you decide if your feet are puffy. Your face, arms and hands might also get puffy if you suffer from water retention.
Skin Changes
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Your skin goes through several changes with water retention. It may appear stretchy and shiny in the areas of your body where you are puffy. If you suspect water retention, press your thumb to an area of your skin where puffiness occurs for at least 10 seconds; if a white thumbprint appears on your skin and remains white for several seconds, it is a good indication of water retention.
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Weight Changes
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When you are retaining water, not only do you get puffy, but your weight might increase as well. You are retaining large amounds of water and fluids, making the numbers on the scale go up. Your body appears heavier and fuller and your clothes fit much more snugly. When you have rapid weight gain with no other apparent causes, it may be due to water retention.
Painful Joints
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Water retention causes uncomfortable and sometimes painful joints and muscles. If the joints in your arms or legs feel uncommonly stiff, swollen or even painful when you move them, it may be a sign of water retention. Edema causes these painful joint problems from very mild to moderate degrees of pain and discomfort.
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References
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