How to treat fluid accumulation in the leg

Generally, leg swelling refers to fluid accumulation in the leg. This fluid buildup may be caused by factors such as aging, excessive exercise, overweight, hormonal changes, or osteoarthritis. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include general management and medication. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Aging

With age, the cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears down, the joint space narrows, and intra-articular pressure increases, leading to increased synovial fluid secretion and accumulation. Regular joint exercises should be performed to enhance joint stability, and adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is recommended to support bone health.

2. Excessive Exercise

Prolonged or high-intensity physical activity can irritate soft tissues around the knee joint, causing aseptic inflammation, synovial membrane edema, and hyperplasia, ultimately resulting in knee joint effusion. It is important to plan exercise duration and intensity appropriately to avoid overuse, and to perform sufficient warm-up and stretching before and after exercise.

3. Overweight

Excess body weight increases stress on the knee joints, placing greater pressure on joint cartilage, accelerating wear and tear, and promoting increased synovial fluid production. Regular weight monitoring to maintain a healthy weight is advised, along with avoiding prolonged standing or walking to reduce joint strain.

4. Hormonal Changes

Women may experience fluctuations in hormone levels during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, which can affect the function of the knee joint synovium and lead to increased fluid secretion. Symptoms such as mood swings and insomnia may also occur. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as progesterone injection, dydrogesterone tablets, or Guizhi Fuling pills for treatment.

5. Osteoarthritis

Chronic long-term strain and localized overstimulation can lead to osteoarthritis, causing degenerative bone changes and bone spurs, which in turn result in knee joint effusion. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, and joint swelling. Under medical supervision, medications such as glucosamine sulfate capsules, meloxicam tablets, or compound chondroitin sulfate tablets may be used for treatment.

To prevent and improve leg fluid accumulation, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, exercise sensibly, follow a balanced diet, perform regular joint exercises, and ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.