Swollen ankles, often referred to as 'cankles,' can become a common concern, particularly for women in mid-life, due to hormonal fluctuations and decreased lymphatic system efficiency. These changes can lead to water retention in the lower legs, resulting in puffiness and a heavy sensation.
Lymphatic drainage expert Rebecca Trevalinet explains that fluctuating hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause and menopause, can impede the lymphatic system's ability to clear excess fluid. This, combined with potentially reduced physical activity, means muscles may not pump fluid upward as effectively, leading to its accumulation around the ankles.
While professional lymphatic drainage massages have been found effective, their cost and the need for regular sessions can be a significant commitment. A new approach involves high-tech compression trousers that employ 'pressotherapy,' a technique using air-pressurized squeezing to stimulate lymph flow.
These garments, such as Skinvity's PressTech trousers, are designed to inflate in a sequence, starting from the feet and moving upwards. This action mimics the natural pumping of muscles during walking, supporting both lymphatic and venous circulation. The process aims to reduce puffiness and leave legs feeling lighter.
Users select a mode for lymphatic drainage or muscle recovery and a pressure setting. The trousers inflate, applying firm pressure in waves up the legs, before releasing. Initial experiences suggest an immediate sensation of lightness and a tingling in the legs. Consistent use over several weeks has been reported to result in visibly trimmer ankles and a reduction in sock imprints, even after long periods on one's feet.
While manual lymphatic drainage offers a more adaptive and targeted approach, reaching areas beyond the legs, compression devices are recognized as an accessible home-based method to support fluid movement. Despite their considerable investment cost, the regular use of compression trousers can offer a cost-effective alternative to professional treatments over time.