HEALTH March 24, 2025 0 Comments

Cankles: A Cleveland Clinic Expert Discusses Possible Causes and Treatments

About the expert

Dr. Georgeanne Botek, DPM, is a podiatrist who has been part of the Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery since 1997. She specializes in foot surgery and the treatment of skin, nail, and musculoskeletal conditions affecting the foot and ankle. Dr. Botek is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Podiatric Medical Association, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and the American Diabetes Association.

Highlights

“Cankles” is a non-medical term describing ankles that lack a clear distinction from the calf.
In some cases, cankles are harmless, but in others, they may indicate underlying health concerns.
Treatment options range from exercise and diet changes to certain medical interventions.

Swollen or thick ankles, non-medically referred to as “cankles,” are a concern that may increase with age. Research published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One found that between 2000 and 2016, approximately 19% to 20% of older U.S. adults experienced peripheral edema, a condition that causes fluid retention and swelling in the lower limbs, sometimes leading to the appearance of cankles.

For some, cankles are simply a natural part of their body structure and require no medical intervention. However, when swelling is the primary cause, it may signal an underlying health issue, such as poor circulation, lymphedema, kidney or heart conditions, or fluid retention related to diet and lifestyle. Recognizing the difference between genetic traits and medical concerns can help determine whether treatment or lifestyle adjustments are necessary.

Ahead, we explore everything you need to know about cankles, including their most common causes. Plus, we share insights from Cleveland Clinic podiatrist Georgeanne Botek, DPM, on effective strategies for treating and preventing swelling.

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What are cankles?

Cankles is a non-medical term that describes ankles that lack a distinct taper between the calf and foot, creating a thicker, more uniform appearance. While some people naturally have this lower leg shape, cankles can also result from factors like fluid retention, weight distribution, or medical conditions that affect circulation and lymphatic drainage.

What cankles can reveal about your health

In some cases, cankles are simply a natural variation in body shape and pose no health risks. However, when swelling causes the ankles to appear thicker, it may signal an underlying medical issue.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, persistent or sudden swelling can be linked to circulatory problems, lymphatic blockages, or organ-related conditions such as heart, kidney, or liver disease. Medical experts warn that ongoing or worsening ankle swelling may indicate venous insufficiency, in which blood struggles to flow properly through the leg veins, or lymphedema, a condition caused by fluid buildup due to impaired lymphatic drainage.

Also, if cankles are accompanied by pain, redness, or significant swelling, it’s essential to seek medical attention to rule out serious concerns like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or heart failure.