Endospheres for swollen ankles in London

Ankles that swell by the end of the day, or that have thickened so the line from the calf to the foot has gone, are an area the maker's FAQ names. It says the treatment can be carried out on the ankles, in answer to a question about swollen ankles. No maker series has measured the ankles, and we say so. The roller of 55 silicone spheres is worked around the ankle and up the lower leg in slow passes, over a course the maker gives as twelve or eighteen sessions, two or three a week. The free consultation is with Dr Marie Duggan, GMC 7488383, at Endospheres Clinic, 8 Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2HF, with the price in writing.

Why the doctor asks first

Swollen ankles have causes that need treating before any massage: a clot in the leg, a heart, kidney or liver problem, a medicine, or lymphoedema. In our practice Dr Marie Duggan asks about all of these at the consultation, examines the ankles and refers you where a diagnosis comes first. A firm mechanical massage is for the ankle that swells with standing, heat and a long day once those are ruled out.

What it does and does not do

A firm mechanical massage worked upwards changes how the ankle looks and feels for a time; it does not destroy fat, and we make no claim that it drains lymph or treats the cause of swelling. In our experience the ankle looks and feels lighter for a day or two after a session. The appearance returns over months without maintenance, which the maker describes as two sessions a month for three or four months after the course, then one a month.

The session and after

In our practice you lie on the couch with the leg supported. The roller is passed around the ankle and up the calf in slow passes at a lighter pressure than on the thigh, and the operator adjusts it with you. The ankles are treated with the legs in a session within the maker's 45 minutes to an hour and a half. In our experience the skin can look pink and feel warm afterwards, and the maker asks for at least 48 hours between sessions.

Who it suits

In our practice it suits an adult whose ankles swell with a long day and who wants a firm mechanical massage over a course, once the doctor has ruled out a cause that needs treating. It suits someone who will attend two or three sessions a week and maintain the result. The maker's protocol excludes pregnancy and breastfeeding and asks for 30 days after fillers. The heavy legs page covers the whole leg, and the full guide the rest.