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 byswelling.
Toa55 / Getty Images
Toa55 / Getty Images
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.
People across the spectrum of body weight may have cankles.
If yourankles have recently become swollen, you could have a problem that needs medical attention.
What Is Edema
Edema is swelling brought on by an abnormal buildup of fluid in the tissue.
Cankles resulting fromedemacan have a number of causes.
If you aren’t sure if your ankle swelling is problematic, talk to your healthcare provider.
If your cankles are not because of swelling or another medical reason, they don’t need treatment.
But know that it’s possible for you to’t simply lose weight in just one part of your body.
This can help your body get rid of salt and extra fluid through your urine.
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.
If you have underlying health conditions, talk to a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.
Treatment for cankles depends on the underlying cause.
If warranted, a healthcare provider may prescribemedicationsto flush out extra fluid or compression stockings to help reduce swelling.
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