Ankle Discoloration
Vein Treatment located in St. John’s County, St. Augustine, FL
Ankle Discoloration services offered in St. John's County, St. Augustine, FL
Changes in the color of your skin around your ankle may mean you have a circulatory condition that needs treatment. At One Vein Clinic, Fawzi Farha, MD, offers in-office evaluations for ankle discoloration to identify what’s causing the change. Dr. Farha has extensive experience treating issues like chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins that can cause ankle discoloration, so you can lower your risk for more serious vascular conditions. Call the office in Augustine, Florida, to schedule an ankle discoloration evaluation or book a consultation online today.
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Ankle Discoloration Q&A
What causes ankle discoloration?
Ankle discoloration can be the result of injuries to your ankle joint or surrounding muscles. However, the discoloration can also be a symptom of underlying circulatory issues like chronic venous insufficiency.
Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition where the valves in the veins of your legs become weak and can’t prevent blood from flowing backwards. Weak valves can increase your risk for spider veins, varicose veins, and ankle discoloration and swelling.
The skin discoloration, known as stasis dermatitis, occurs because of a buildup of pigments in the red blood cells, the cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Pigments, which are brown in color, can accumulate beneath the skin and cause noticeable staining in your ankle.
When should I schedule a diagnostic evaluation for ankle discoloration?
You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at One Vein Clinic if you notice discoloration in the skin around your ankle.
Discoloration can start out in patches, first appearing as sunspots or freckles. As the condition worsens, you may notice that larger areas of your skin become dark brown. In addition to ankle discoloration, you may also experience leg swelling and itchiness.
Without treatment, you may be at a higher risk for developing slow-healing wounds and ulcers in the skin near your ankle, feet, or calf.
Dr. Farha offers in-office evaluations for ankle discoloration and may request blood work or other diagnostic testing. He customizes a care plan to reduce discoloration and discomfort and to lower your risk for more serious complications.
How is ankle discoloration treated?
Your treatment plan for ankle discoloration depends on the underlying cause of your condition.
If discoloration results from chronic venous insufficiency, Dr. Farha may recommend sclerotherapy to close off damaged leg veins to improve circulation.
You may also need to make lifestyle and diet changes to improve the circulation in your legs, ankles, and feet. Dr. Farha can suggest exercises to do every day and help you modify your diet to prevent fluids from building up in your legs and ankles.
To prevent additional discoloration, blood clots, and other issues that chronic venous insufficiency can cause, you may need to wear compression socks and avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.
To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for ankle discoloration, call One Vein Clinic or book an appointment online today.
