“Cankles” is a slang term combining the words calves and ankles. Many people consider it a derogatory term. It describes a lack of definition between the calf and the ankle.
People may have cankles for different reasons. Some people may have naturally larger ankles due to genetics.
Others may experience ankle swelling due to an underlying health condition or factors such as pregnancy, warm weather, or prolonged standing or sitting. In some cases, swollen ankles can be uncomfortable or even painful, requiring medical attention.
This article outlines the causes and treatments of cankles and provides guidance on when to consult a doctor. We also answer some frequently asked questions about cankles.
Factors that can cause or contribute to a lack of definition between the lower calf and ankle include:
- genetics
- certain health conditions
- behavioral or environmental factors that may cause the ankles to swell
Genetics
As with other physical traits, genetics may influence the size and shape of the calves and ankles. Some people have naturally larger bones, muscles, or tendons in the ankles, all of which may contribute to the appearance of cankles.
Health conditions
The following health conditions can cause swelling in the calves or ankles, which may give the appearance of cankles:
- Obesity: Excess body weight can strain the ankles and other weight-bearing joints, leading to swelling.
- Diabetes: This condition can affect circulation, leading to fluid pooling in the feet and ankles.
- Infections: Infections of the lower legs, ankles, or feet can cause swelling in these areas. People with diabetes are at increased risk of lower extremity infections.
- Cellulitis: A
common bacterial skin infection that can occur when there is an open wound. The infection may cause swelling, discoloration, and pain in the affected area. - Venous insufficiency: A condition in which the valves inside the veins do not send blood back to the heart effectively. The blood “leaks” against the direction of blood flow, pooling in the lower legs and ankles.
- Congestive heart failure (CHF): CHF affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, which may cause blood to pool in the lower legs, ankles, and feet.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): This condition involves a blood clot in a deep vein, typically in the leg. It can develop quickly, is accompanied by pain and discoloration, and requires rapid medical attention.
- Lipedema: A chronic disease that leads to atypical fat distribution, particularly below the waist.
- Lymphedema: A condition in which the lymphatic system becomes damaged or blocked, causing lymph fluid to accumulate in the body’s tissues. It often occurs due to cancer or cancer treatment.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can cause fluid retention and associated swelling in various parts of the body, including the ankles.
- Cushing syndrome: A potentially serious condition involving an excess of the hormone cortisol in the body. It may cause fluid retention and swelling.
- Kidney problems: The kidneys help remove waste products from the blood and balance sodium and potassium levels. Impaired kidney function can lead to sodium retention, which may cause swelling in the ankles.
- Liver disease: Liver conditions such as cirrhosis can cause fluid retention in the legs, ankles, and feet.
Other causes
Other factors that can cause swelling of the lower legs and ankles include:
- pregnancy
- medications, such as
- birth control pills
- hormone therapy drugs
- steroids
- antidepressants
- insect bites or stings
- injuries, such as:
- consuming excess salt
- sitting or standing too long in one position
- warm weather
The treatment for cankles depends on the cause.
People with naturally larger ankles due to genetics do not require medical treatment. However, those with swollen ankles may require treatment, depending on the underlying cause.
Treatments for underlying medical causes
Below are some medical conditions that can cause swollen ankles, along with their associated treatments:
- Diabetes: Medications to control blood sugar levels, such as metformin or insulin.
- Venous insufficiency: Compression stockings to help promote blood flow back to the heart, or radiofrequency vein ablation, which involves sealing off the damaged veins.
- Congestive heart failure: Diuretics to reduce fluid retention, along with vasodilators, which help relax the blood vessels and promote circulation.
- DVT: Anticoagulant medications to help prevent the formation of new blood clots.
- Lipedema: A healthy diet and plenty of exercise, possibly in combination with liposuction to remove excess fat.
- Lymphedema: Decongestive lymphatic therapy, which entails draining excess lymphatic fluid. This may involve exercises, compression bandages, and specific massage techniques.
- Cellulitis: Antibiotics to help combat the underlying bacterial infection.
- Hypothyroidism: The medication levothyroxine, which helps replace the hormones that the thyroid is not making.
Self-care
If cankles are not the result of a serious health concern, the following self-care tips may help ease swelling and discomfort:
- exercising to promote blood circulation
- elevating the feet where possible
- avoiding tight-fitting footwear, socks, and clothing
- preventing infection by keeping the feet and ankles clean, dry, and moisturized
Routine adjustments
The following routine adjustments may help to reduce swelling of the lower calves and ankles:
- maintaining a moderate weight through diet and regular exercise
- consuming a heart-healthy diet
- limiting salt intake
- stopping smoking
Build a positive body image
Many people consider cankles to be a derogatory term. Using the word cankles to describe a person’s leg shape can cause or contribute to shame around one’s body image.
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Keep in mind that naturally larger ankles are not a sign that anything is wrong. If there is no medical cause, a person does not need to change them.
It may help to:
- practice appreciating how the body functions as opposed to how it looks
- be mindful that physical appearance is only part of what makes a person who they are
- work toward accepting rather than changing perceived flaws in appearance
A person who notices a change in the size or appearance of their ankles should consult a doctor to determine the cause.
Signs that a person should seek emergency medical attention include:
- severe, painful swelling that develops suddenly
- swelling in other parts of the body
- swelling that keeps getting worse
- inflammation and heat at the site of the swelling
- swelling accompanied by a fever, chest pain, stomach pain, or shortness of breath
A person with diabetes who notices swollen ankles should contact their healthcare team, as this could signal kidney disease or early heart failure.
Below are some answers to common questions about cankles.
Larger ankles can be due to fat, muscle, or fluid retention, depending on the cause.
Medication use, pregnancy, warm weather, or prolonged standing or sitting can cause fluid retention. In some cases, a person’s genetics can cause naturally larger ankles. In other cases, a high body weight can lead to fat around the ankles.
This depends on the cause. Some people naturally have wider ankles. This is not necessarily a sign that anything is wrong.
However, if the ankles become wider over time, this could indicate a medical condition. People with any doubts should speak with a doctor.
Cankles is slang for a lack of definition between the lower calf and the ankle. This may occur due to genetics, whereby a person has naturally larger bones, muscles, or tendons in the ankle.
Alternatively, it may indicate swelling due to an underlying medical condition or factors such as warm weather and prolonged sitting or standing.
The treatment depends on the underlying cause. Certain causes require prompt treatment to prevent complications. As such, anyone who experiences sudden or unusual swelling in their ankles should notify their doctor.
Medical treatment will not be necessary for people with naturally larger ankles due to genetics. If a person has concerns over the appearance of their ankles, they can try methods to help improve their body image. Anyone who continues to have concerns should talk with a doctor or therapist.