If you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering what are cankles?? The word “Cankle” is a slang term that combines the word “calf” and ankle. People often use the term ‘cankle’ to refer to when the ankle meets the calf without any particular definition, it’s often seen as not tapering towards the foot. The term was coined to describe a person who did not have their ankles clearly defined. This means that when the area from calf to ankle has some additional fat tissue or liquid retention, it may be thought of as being cankles. Cankles can be caused by a number of different ailments and as a result there are various treatments for cankles.
What causes cankles
There isn’t a single cause of cankles. Genetics can be a key player here. Since your genetics may influence the distribution of fat in the body, some people may have naturally more fat deposits in this area. Even when they are slender, they may still have cankles.
Weight gain can also lead to cankles. When you gain weight, your body is going to distribute fat throughout the body. This does not always mean that it will be distributed to this area but you can end up with excess fat here over time.
Fluid retention is the final cause of cankles. Changes in medication or health can lead to fluid collection in your lower body. If your cankles are due to that then you may notice that in addition to your ankles becoming puffy, your feet will also be holding onto fluid. People who are pregnant, or have conditions such as heart failure may be more likely to have cankles.
How Do You Get Rid of Cankles?
Fluid retention is the final cause of cankles. Changes in medication or health can lead to fluid collection in your lower body. If your cankles are due to that then you may notice that in addition to your ankles becoming puffy, your feet will also be holding onto fluid. People who are pregnant, or have conditions such as heart failure may be more likely to have cankles.
There are a number of options available for getting rid of cankles but you should first determine what’s causing them. For example, if your cankles are being caused by fluid retention, then your first step would be to get rid of the excess fluid. This could be addressed by your doctor with a variety of medications or other lifestyle changes. If due to pregnancy, the cankles will typically resolve after you have the baby.
When cankles are caused by extra fat, then weight loss and exercise are typically the best solutions. You may also want to consider cankle liposuction, especially if your condition is caused by genetics. If you have a healthy lifestyle but still struggle with cankles, then liposuction may be the best way to get rid of this fat.
What is Cankle Liposuction?
Cankle liposuction removes excess fat from the calf and ankle area, producing a more sculpted, attractive appearance. Fat cells accumulating on the legs can be sculpted using a cosmetic procedure. Cankle liposuction can be used if your cankles are caused by fat deposits on your ankles that have been unresponsive to diet and weight loss.
Recovery from Cankle Liposuction?
If you decide to have liposuction, this is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat deposits from a specific area. This is a fairly simple and minimally invasive procedure that will remove the fat that’s resistant to diet and exercise. Your doctor will use a local anesthetic solution into the tissue and then use a device that will vacuum away fat deposits. There will be small incisions in your lets that will be closed and then covered with compression bandages.
The good news is that this option is an outpatient procedure. You can return home the same day and will be encouraged to start walking around the next day. You may need to wear a compression garment on the first day to minimize any swelling. There may be some mild pain but it will usually resolve quickly and can be treated with a mild painkiller. The results of this procedure are considered to be permanent if you are able to maintain your weight and fitness level.
Other Methods of Treating and Getting Rid of Cankles
If you’re preferring to use lifestyle to manage your cankles, then you have different options available to you.
Healthy Diet
The diet that you follow can play a significant role when it comes to fat in your body. Losing weight will encourage your body to break down fat tissue. This method may take some time but losing weight overall can help you to have more defined ankles and get rid of those pesky cankles. Try to reduce your caloric intake by about 500 calories a day. This will help you to achieve healthy and sustainable weight loss. Focus on eating a diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables. Often cankles are made worse as a result of swelling and water retention. If we eat food high in sodium we may have an increased level of water in our system. Therefore, it is important to watch your sodium (or salt) intake. This means avoiding processed foods with high salt content and opting for whole foods with a rich potassium content such as bananas and avocados.
Exercise
Exercise, especially exercises that target the lower body can help you to lose weight and also define your ankles. Many people find that light running, biking and other exercises such as stair climbing will help you to define your ankles and slim down this area. Fat loss usually occurs in the abdomen area initially so be patient for this to happen around your ankles as it may take some time.
Finally, remember that cankles can take some time to resolve. Be patient with yourself and you may find that you’re able to get rid of yours over time.
Weight Loss
If you are overweight, and you have fat retention in the ankle and calf. Losing weight by reducing your calorie intake and improving lifestyle choices could improve the appearance of cankles. Of course, weight loss is not a suitable option for all, consideration must be taken as to what is causing your cankles in the first instance. Nevertheless, if your cankles are caused by excess weight, consult with your doctor and start slowly with an appropriate weight loss strategy.
Finally, remember that cankles can take some time to resolve. Be patient with yourself and you may find that you’re able to get rid of yours over time.
