Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Water Retention In The Feet?
Yesterday I was retaining a lot of water in both of my feet, though some in my left is typical. (I spent a lot of time sitting writing cards.) At night my feet started to feel itchy. I took Benadryl and then put calamine lotion on my feet. Finally I took a 40 mg water pill. I must have gotten up 7 times to urinate! Today I was having some cramps so I drank water figuring I was dehydrated. I wasn t concerned about any of that in particular, but it may have to do with what did concern me. All of a sudden for a few minutes I was a bit short of breath and exhausted. Then I was fine. I do have hypothyroidism, but that level of exhaustion hasn t been a factor since I was first diagnosed. The meds resolved that. This was a one time thing. Should I be concerned? I didn t experience any pain.
Thu, 28 Jun 2018
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Since you have history of hypothyroidism, water retention in your legs is because of it. Continue to take medicines prescribed for hypothyroidism. To get rid of water retention, manage salt intake (avoid food that are too salty), take Electrolytes for a better K, NA (sodium, potassium) balance. Exercise regularly, sleep more, stress less, keep your foot elevated on a pillow while you are in bed or on a stool when you are sitting. Eat healthy, maintain weight. The exhaustion you are feeling is because of the pill that you took. You got dehydrated and probably your BP fell. Rehydrate yourself, take fruits and boiled veggies. Causes of water retention are high salt intake, hormonal imbalance, hypothyroidism, intake of high blood pressure medication, intake of NSAIDS, Ibuprofen, heat or kidney problem or vein thrombosis.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards
Dr Nupur K
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Since you have history of hypothyroidism, water retention in your legs is because of it. Continue to take medicines prescribed for hypothyroidism. To get rid of water retention, manage salt intake (avoid food that are too salty), take Electrolytes for a better K, NA (sodium, potassium) balance. Exercise regularly, sleep more, stress less, keep your foot elevated on a pillow while you are in bed or on a stool when you are sitting. Eat healthy, maintain weight. The exhaustion you are feeling is because of the pill that you took. You got dehydrated and probably your BP fell. Rehydrate yourself, take fruits and boiled veggies. Causes of water retention are high salt intake, hormonal imbalance, hypothyroidism, intake of high blood pressure medication, intake of NSAIDS, Ibuprofen, heat or kidney problem or vein thrombosis.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards
Dr Nupur K
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....