Water retention can occur in many parts of the body, usually below the level of the heart, such as the buttocks, back, and even forearms. Edema in the legs can often be painful, and will be more noticeable especially when trying to walk. Severe edema may make it very difficult to put on shoes or socks. If the edema is very severe, the trapped water will begin to seep out through the skin, making the surface of the skin wet. When the body begins to retain excess water, blood pressure usually increases, and this leads to many complications. How should water retention be prevented? It is very difficult to address water retention and the measures that can be taken are extremely limited. If edema is present in the lower extremities (including the feet, ankles, and lower legs), then you should try to elevate the lower extremities as high as possible above the level of the heart when you are not walking. This helps to increase blood return to the heart and kidneys, allowing excess water to be excreted in the form of urine. Elastic stockings are also beneficial in improving circulation to the lower extremities and reducing edema. Since salt is one of the main causes of water retention, the intake of salt in food should be reduced as much as possible. The first step is to stop or reduce the dosage of medications that may cause water retention. Among them, glucocorticoids are the most important. In addition, certain anti-hypertensive medications, such as calcium channel blockers, can also cause sodium and water retention. Secondly, your doctor may ask you to take some diuretics, such as tachyphylaxis and ambien, and the effect is usually more definite. However, high doses of diuretics can damage kidney function, so if you already have renal insufficiency, diuretics must be used with caution. If you have congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema or hypertension, you must be hospitalized for further treatment.