What It Means to Have Cankles

"Cankle" is a nonmedical term first used in 2001. It describes a thick or wide ankle without clear definition from the lower calf. Cankles (a combination of "calves" and "ankles") is not a medical condition on its own. Like any other physical feature, the appearance of calves and ankles varies. For some people, cankles are normal and require no treatment.

Cankles may also be caused by swelling. In this case, it could be temporary, such as from being on your feet for a long time, or it could be a sign of a medical condition, such as problems with body fluid circulation.

This article will discuss what cankles are, what causes them, when treatment is warranted, and what can be done about them.

How Do Cankles Look, and Are They Unhealthy?

Cankles mean that the bottom of the calves and the ankles blend together to appear as one. This can be just how your legs and ankles naturally look due to your genetics and development, and it's not necessarily an unhealthy or dangerous condition. People across the spectrum of body weight may have cankles.

If your ankles have recently become swollen, you could have a problem that needs medical attention. Along with your ankles, this swelling could also affect your feet, legs, or other parts of your body.

Cankles vs. Non-Cankles

Typical ankles taper off from the calf, giving a more noticeable distinction between the two areas. Cankles have a more continuous appearance straight through, making it less obvious where the calf ends and the ankle begins.

Cankles do not necessarily mean there is something medically wrong, but they could have a medical cause, such as:

• Temporary water retention
• A chronic health condition
• An allergic reaction or adverse effect of medication
• An acute medical problem
• Another health concern

What Causes Cankles?

Cankles resulting from edema can have a number of causes.

Predisposition

Edema may be more likely in people who:

• Have overweight
• Are older
• Are pregnant (mild swelling in the ankles and feet, especially closer to the due date, is common, but sudden swelling of the face or hands may indicate a condition called preeclampsia)

Situational or Lifestyle

Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs could have situational or lifestyle causes, such as:

• Fluid being pulled to the legs and feet by gravity
• Standing or sitting too long, particularly in the heat
• Consuming too much salt
• Long car or plane rides

Medications

Some medications may cause swelling, such as:

• Antidepressants, including monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclics
• Calcium channel blockers (blood pressure medications)
• Hormones, such as those used in contraception or hormone therapy
• Steroids

Don't stop taking your medication or change your treatment plan without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Injury or Infection

Edema in the ankle, foot, or leg could result from:

• An infection in the leg
• Surgery, such as pelvic surgery
• Injury to the ankle, foot, or leg, including a sprain or strain
• An insect sting or bite

Medical Condition

Sometimes, ankle, foot, or leg swelling can indicate a larger medical problem, such as:

• Blood clot: A blood clot in the leg can cause swelling as well as symptoms such as pain or tenderness, and skin that is red and/or warm to the touch (along with the swelling or pain).
• Venous insufficiency: Blood can gather in the legs when the veins are unable to effectively or efficiently transport enough blood to the feet and back up to the heart. This forces fluid out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissue.
  
• Kidney disease: Pressure can build in the blood vessels when the kidneys don't remove enough water and sodium from the body, which can lead to edema in the legs and around the eyes.
• Congestive heart failure: If the heart isn't working well, blood flow in the legs can slow, causing blood to back up in the leg veins and fluid to build up in the tissues.
• Severe lung conditions: Conditions like emphysema (causes gradual lung tissue damage) can cause high pressure in the lungs and heart, which may lead to edema in the feet and legs.
• Low protein levels in the blood: A lack of albumin (a protein) in the blood can cause fluid to leak out of blood vessels more easily. Extreme malnutrition, kidney diseases, and liver diseases can cause low protein in the blood.
• Liver diseases: Problems with the liver, such as liver cirrhosis (scarring of liver tissue) can cause edema in the abdomen as well as the feet and ankles.
• Lymphedema: Damage to the lymphatic system, such as removal or destruction of lymph nodes during cancer surgery, can cause fluid to collect in an area like a leg or arm. It could be temporary or develop into a chronic condition.
  
• Lipedema: With lipedemia, fat tissue accumulates with an abnormal distribution. It typically involves the hips and buttocks, but can also affect the hip to ankle.

Goal of Cankles Treatment

Treatment for cankles depends on what is causing them. If your cankles are not caused by swelling or another medical reason, they don't need treatment.

If you have excess body fat, weight loss may also help (although people of a healthy weight may also have cankles). But know that you can't simply lose weight in just one part of your body. Talk to a healthcare provider about whether excess weight may be affecting other conditions, whether weight loss is recommended, and the best way to achieve it.

If your cankles have a medical cause, in addition to treating the underlying medical issue, your healthcare provider may prescribe a medication called a diuretic (water pill). This can help your body get rid of salt and extra fluid through your urine.

If you have a condition that causes poor blood flow in the legs, your healthcare provider may prescribe compression stockings. These stockings come in different sizes and compression strengths and are measured to fit you. They are usually worn during the day and taken off before bed. Follow your healthcare provider's guidelines.

Self-Care for Ankle and Foot Swelling

If your swelling is not part of a serious medical condition, there are measures you can take to help reduce the swelling, including:

• Lie down with your legs raised above the level of your heart (try using pillows).
• Limit salt in your diet.
• Exercise your legs.
• When sitting for long periods, such as at work or while traveling, stand up and move around often.
• While standing, regularly move your feet and ankles or tighten and relax your leg muscles.
• While sitting, stretch often and avoid crossing your legs.
• If pregnant, sleep on your left side.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly.
• Stand or swim in a pool with water up to your neck.
• Avoid or stay cool in hot or humid weather.
  

If these tips don't help, see your healthcare provider.

How to Tone Legs With Cankles

If you don't like the appearance of your ankles, exercises that tone and build calf muscles might make ankles look smaller by comparison. You may want to talk to an athletic trainer or physical therapist and discuss your goals. They can advise what is realistic to expect and the best plan for your overall fitness.

Calf raises particularly target the calf muscles. You perform these by standing and raising your heel from the floor so your weight is on your toes.

Sports and exercise activities that involve running and jumping are also good for toning calves. You might enjoy basketball, volleyball, soccer, or jumping rope. Be sure to start any new activity gradually and progressively build your time, intensity, and endurance to prevent injury.

If you have underlying health conditions, talk to a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.

Summary

"Cankle" (a combination of "calf" and "ankle") is a nonmedical term that describes the appearance of the calf and ankle being one unit instead of clearly defined. Cankles that are your natural appearance are normal, pose no danger, and don't need to be treated.

Cankles can be caused by temporary swelling, such as from sitting or standing for long periods or from certain medications. Swelling may also be caused by medical conditions, including heart, lung, vascular, kidney, and liver problems.

Treatment for cankles depends on the underlying cause. For swelling not related to major health problems, home measures, such as elevating feet and exercising legs, can help reduce swelling. If warranted, a healthcare provider may prescribe medications to flush out extra fluid or compression stockings to help reduce swelling.