Cankles: What are They and How to Get Rid of Them?  

Many individuals are insecure about the excess fat surrounding their calves and ankles, often referred to as cankles. This article will discuss what cankles are and how to get rid of them.

Table of Contents

What Are Cankles?

Cankles is not a standard medical term. Instead, it is a slang word that combines the terms “calf” and “ankle.” Cankle refers to the lack of definition between the ankle and calf. Where usually there is a thinning of the calf as it reaches the ankle, someone with “cankles” will have more fat around this area.  

Cankles are not usually a health concern. However, some individuals may not enjoy the look of cankles, causing them to want to fix the appearance of their lower legs and feet. 

What Do Cankles Look Like?

With someone who has cankles, the transition between the calf to the foot is indistinguishable. This shape is due to excessive fat or swelling in this area, leading to a poorly defined ankle. Some individuals may be self-conscious about the appearance of this area. 

What Causes Cankles?

There are several reasons why cankles can occur. These include genetics, weight gain, or medications. 

Weight Gain 

Cankles are commonly caused by excess fat due to weight gain in the ankles. As you gain weight, the amount of fat stored in your legs increases. The fat in your legs is pulled down by gravity, causing the appearance of cankles. 

Genetics 

As aforementioned, excess fat can cause cankles. But how and where we gain fat is primarily dictated by our genetics. Several genes can increase your likelihood of being overweight or obese. Experts have identified more than 400 genes that influence weight gain, but only a few of these are significant determinants.  

How your genetics influence your weight will vary from other people. Likewise, genetics can account for anywhere between 25 to 80 percent of your predisposition to being overweight, depending on the person. Genetics influence various factors implicated in weight, such as feelings of fullness, appetite, food cravings, metabolism, the tendency to use food as a coping mechanism for stress, and body-fat distribution. 

The link between body-fat distribution and genetics is essential to understanding how your DNA influences cankles. One study found that 13 gene sites in our bodies affect fat distribution. Therefore, your susceptibility to cankles may be coded in your DNA. While you may gain weight in your calf and ankle region, others may gain weight elsewhere. 

Fluid Retention and Medications

Swelling in the ankles and elsewhere is often due to fluid retention. The scientific term for fluid retention is edema. Edema usually occurs in the legs and can distort the shape of the limb, sometimes creating the look of cankles. 

If you have swelling in your tissues for more than three months, this is known as chronic edema. Chronic edema occurs more commonly in obese individuals, women, and those over 65. Edema is often caused by medications.

Medications 

Medicine can cause or worsen swelling and thus the appearance of cankles. Medications that most frequently cause edema include: 

  • Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine and felodipine) 
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen) 
  • Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone) 
  • Sex hormones and similar medicines (e.g., anti-estrogens and aromatase inhibitors)

Pregnancy 

Pregnancy can also cause the appearance of cankles due to weight gain and fluid retention. During pregnancy, your body naturally holds on to more water. Fluid retention can cause swelling throughout your body, often in the fingers, feet, and ankles. 

As the day progresses, water accumulates in the lower areas of the body. Swelling can be exacerbated by hot weather or standing for long periods. Additionally, the weight of the growing womb provides added pressure, affecting the blood flow in and to your legs. Likewise, you may experience fluid accumulation in your feet, ankles, and legs. 

It is important to note that sudden swelling can signify pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication that requires medical attention.

How to Get Rid of Cankles?

Depending on the cause of your cankles, there are several ways to change the appearance of your cankles. 

Exercise and Changing Your Diet

Having healthier eating habits and regular physical activity can help you lose weight, thus slimming down your figure. In terms of diet, eat lean proteins and leafy green vegetables to promote overall health and store less fat. Avoid overly processed foods, added sugars, and fried foods that could contribute to weight gain.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults engage in 150 minutes of moderate to intense exercise weekly. If you want to lose a significant amount of weight, you may want to work out longer or engage in more intense activity. Additionally, specific exercises can target your leg and calf muscles, such as calf raises.

Medications 

If you experience chronic edema, you may be a candidate for medication therapy. The following drugs can be used to treat fluid retention

  • Corticosteroids 
  • Diuretics 
  • Oxerutins

Cosmetic Procedures

For those looking to slim down their cankles but have had little success with diet and exercise, liposuction is an option. Liposuction involves removing excess fat via a procedure. In cankle liposuction, a provider removes fat where the calf meets the ankle, providing a more defined look.

When to See a Doctor?

If you have swelling in your calves and ankles, seek immediate care from a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: 

  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Chest pain 
  • Coughing up blood 
  • Red or warm skin 
  • Fever 

These symptoms may indicate conditions such as a blood clot or skin infection. Additionally, see your doctor if your symptoms do not resolve on their own.  

Get Help From an Online Doctor

An online doctor provides medical advice instantly without needing an office visit. DrHouse has several providers available for online doctor visits within 15 minutes.  

Key Takeaways 

Key points to remember about cankles include: 

  • They can be caused by weight gain, genetics, fluid retention, medication, or pregnancy. 
  • Cankles can be managed by diet, exercise, medication, or liposuction.

Sources:

Content on the DrHouse website is written by our medical content team and reviewed by qualified MDs, PhDs, NPs, and PharmDs. We follow strict content creation guidelines to ensure accurate medical information. However, this content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information read our medical disclaimer.

Always consult with your physician or other qualified health providers about medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on what you read on this website.

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