How to Lose Water Weight in Legs

Edema in the legs, caused by water being stored in the muscle tissue of the body, can result from a variety of factors. Sometimes it may be as simple as some lifestyle habits that need alteration. More complicated cases are often the result of a medical condition or medicines being taken. Since water weight has many causes and many remedies, it is important to talk with your doctor to determine what remedies will work best for your condition.

A woman with her feet elevated on a sofa. (Image: Kraig Scarbinsky/DigitalVision/Getty Images)

Step 1

Elevate the legs. This is a simple way to reduce the swelling in them. Lie on the bed with your legs propped up by pillows, relax in a recliner or use a specially made product for elevating the legs. For best results, legs should be elevated above the level of the heart.

Step 2

Exercise the legs. By increasing the blood flow in the legs, the fluids being stored in the muscle tissue are drained and pumped back to the heart. Different exercises are used, depending on what is causing the edema. Discuss exercise options with your doctor.

Step 3

Drink more water. Your body will sometimes retain water when it is unsure if it will be getting enough water. Drinking more water more often helps the body to realize that it will be getting water frequently and it will release the fluids that it has been storing.

Step 4

Use a diuretic. There are many effective and safe diuretics on the market. Some of the most common herbal diuretics include dandelion, uvi ursi, stinging nettle or juniper berry (not for use if you are diabetic or have kidney disease). Diuretics are meant to be used for short periods of time (like a few days) so do not continue to use for a long time as this is dangerous to the body.

Step 5

Talk with your doctor about other specially made products to treat edema. Using massage, compression socks, proper shoes or prescribed medications, such as Lasix, can be helpful in reducing water retention in the legs.