Cankles, a contraction from the term "calf- ankles," refers to chubby ankles with poor definition or a lack of distinction from where the lower part of the calf muscle terminates and the ankle joint begins.Cankles is a derogatory term used to describe women's thick ankles.Genetics is one of the factors that contribute to the formation of cankles.Getting rid of cankles is dependent on their cause.Health conditions are more likely to cause cankles than genetic factors.
Step 1: You can schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Schedule an appointment with your family physician if you think your ankles are thick.Your doctor will examine your feet, ankles and legs, ask questions about your family history, diet and lifestyle, and maybe even send you for a blood test to check cholesterol levels.If your cankles are related to a health problem or have a benign cause, your doctor will check them out.You may need a referral to another doctor with more specialized training because your family doctor is not a foot or circulatory specialist.Genetically, some women have larger bones/ ankle joints and thicker calf muscles, which can't be fixed with surgery.The face, abdomen, buttocks and thighs are more likely to be fat deposits than the ankles.
Step 2: You should see a specialist for your ankles.
If your family doctor thinks your cankles are related to a blood flow problem, then you may be referred for a consult with a vein surgeon.If a hormonal problem is suspected, then you may be sent to an endocrinologist.If a heart problem is suspected, a cardiologist might be the best doctor to see and treat it.A painless procedure that allows a doctor to assess the function of the veins and arteries in your lower leg is called arteriosclerosis assessment.Podiatrists may be able to diagnose ankle problems.
Step 3: Understand the cause and get an accurate diagnosis.
Make sure you get the doctor to explain the cause and give you treatment options for your cankles.If it's determined that you have no health issues and your larger-than-normal ankles are due to genetics and body type, then focus more on body acceptance and overall health, while being less concerned about something as frivolous as the aesthetic of your ankles.Body shapes and sizes can be changed, but only within limits.Losing weight and working out your leg muscles may not have a big impact on your cankles.There are various causes of thick ankles on the internet.It will give you ideas of treatments you can do at home, but always stick toReputable medical/health sites.
Step 4: You can exercise your legs more.
Walking, jogging and cycling force your leg muscles to contract.If you have poor circulation in your legs due to faulty valves within your veins, then exercising your lower legs muscles can act like a second heart because they will squeeze the veins and help return the venous blood back into circulation.If you decide to jog, wear well-cushioned shoes and run on softer surfaces, such as grass, because you increase the risk of damaging your ankle and contributing to your problem.Stretching your legs may promote better blood flow.
Step 5: Consider taking blood thinners.
When small arteries carrying blood to the legs slowly become narrowed or blocked from plaque, it's called peripheral arteriosclerosis.Without proper blood flow, the tissues of the foot and ankle don't get enough oxygen and other resources.The feet and ankles may become swollen.The plaque build-up in arteries can be prevented by taking blood thinners.Aspirin and Coumadin are recommended for blood thinners.Maintaining a healthy blood cholesterol level can help prevent arteriosclerosis.
Step 6: Wear compression stockings.
If you're diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease, your medical specialist may give you a free pair of compression stockings.Compression stockings support muscles and blood vessels, which reduces swelling and promotes better circulation.Reducing the effect of gravity by putting your feet up while resting, watching TV or sitting at the computer will help with blood flow from your legs.It's even better to lay down.You can reduce pain and swelling by soaking your feet in a warm bath.
Step 7: It is possible to lose weight by exercising.
If your cankles are caused by being overweight, then you should lose some weight to slim your ankles and improve your overall health status.If you are obese, you may want to start with exercises that don't put too much pressure on your legs, such as swimming or cycling.Adding weight-bearing exercises such as walking or bouncing on a mini trampoline will promote better blood circulation within your feet and legs once you bring your weight down to safer levels.A healthcare professional should be in charge of the exercise regimen for obese people.Fat can be burned off from around your ankle if you are patient.If you want to increase the definition of your calves without making the muscles bigger, consider doing some leg exercises.It is possible that the enhanced muscle definition will make your ankle appear thinner.
Step 8: You can lose weight by eating less.
Reduce the number of calories you consume on a daily basis by focusing on cardiovascular exercise.Most people who are relatively sedentary only need 2,000 calories per day to maintain their body processes and have enough energy to exercise.500 calories a day will result in 4 pounds of fat tissue loss a month.Salads made with leafy greens and fresh vegetables are great for weight loss because they are low in calories, high in vitamins and bulky, so they fill up your stomach.Go easy on the salad dressing.If you want to lose weight, drinking lots of water is a good idea.
Step 9: Consider surgery.
If you're having trouble losing the fat deposits around your ankle, it's a good idea to schedule a consultation with a vascular or cosmetic surgeon.If you want to combat your cankles, surgery is the last option because of the convenience.The surgeon may be able to shave the bones and muscles of the lower calf and ankle.You should be aware of the risks of undergoing surgery, such as allergic reactions to anesthesia, infections and heavy blood loss.
Step 10: You should reduce your salt intake.
Diets high in salt cause tissues to look puffy because the salt pulls water from the cells into the surrounding spaces, creating a type of swelling called edema.The face, hands and feet are affected by high-salt diet.Most processed foods are high in salt, so focus on fresh meat and produce.The canned tomato sauces and salsas are high in salt.A low-sodium diet is called the DASH diet.
Step 11: If you are pregnant, be patient.
Changes in hormonal levels and periods of poor circulation can lead to fluid retention in the lower legs when you are pregnant.If you're worried about your cankles during pregnancy, you can reduce your intake, but only if you wait until you give birth and see if your ankles go back to normal size.Raising your legs when you sit will help reduce swelling in your ankles while you're pregnant.Emaciation can occur with a woman's menstrual cycle.
Step 12: Don't drink excessively, especially beer.
Alcohol can cause injury to the pancreas and liver.A damaged liver doesn't work well, which leads to water retention in the body.Alcohol and soda pop are both high in sugar-based calories, which can lead to weight gain.Some beer brands are high in salt.Red wine is good for your blood vessels.The peanuts and pretzels that are served at some bars are very high in salt, so don't eat them.
Step 13: Wear pants with long legs.
Long pants will cover your cankles and slim your legs at the same time.Wide-legged styles don't hug your ankles.Try to avoid styles that cut off above the ankle.Long dresses and skirts can help you lose weight.Make sure they cut off at the ankle.
Step 14: Choose bottoms with high waists.
Your legs are longer and you have a slimmer looking ankle.Try high-waisted pants or a long skirt.
Step 15: Pick heels that are big.
Large anklets can look slimmer with large heels.Don't wear small and thin shoes that make your ankle look larger than it is.
Step 16: Avoid shoes that have ankle straps.
The ankle straps call attention to your cankles.Pick shoes that cover your legs, like high boots or shoes with pointed toes.
Step 17: You can draw attention to yourself with accessories.
If you don't want to give up your sandals with ankle straps, try accessorizing.You can draw eyes away from your cankles with bold accessories like handbags, sunglasses, and jewelry.