Ankle discoloration is typically a symptom of your circulation not functioning correctly and is not something you should overlook. The skilled practitioners at Vascular Specialists will run diagnostic procedures at the office to establish the reason for your ankle discoloration and promptly start a bespoke care regimen to reclaim healthy blood flow and avoid potential complications. To seek top-quality care for ankle discoloration in Tinley Park and Evergreen Park, IL, call the office or schedule a consultation online as soon as possible.
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What Exactly Is Ankle Discoloration?
Ankle discoloration describes changes in the appearance of your skin as a result of an inherent vascular disorder. The arterial or venous illness determines the type of discoloration that appears. Nonetheless, in both circumstances, ankle discoloration indicates severe vascular disease. Although various vascular problems could result in ankle discoloration, chronic venous insufficiency and peripheral artery disease are the most prevalent.
How Does Venous Insufficiency Induce Ankle Discoloration?
With venous insufficiency, one or several valves within your leg veins get weakened and refuse to perform effectively. Normally, these valves maintain blood flowing up your leg. Once a valve malfunctions, blood refluxes and flows back down the leg.
Refluxing blood pools inside the veins, resulting in elevated venous blood pressure in your lower leg. Consequentially, various conditions develop near your ankles, such as skin hyperpigmentation, varicose veins, stasis dermatitis, venous stasis ulcers, and lipodermatosclerosis.
Skin redness and an eczema-like rash on your lower leg close to your ankle are symptoms of stasis dermatitis. On the other hand, Lipodermatosclerosis causes swelling and thicker, leathery skin.
Once increased venous pressure expels blood out of the small veins near your ankles, ankle discoloration results in a reddish-brown, dark discoloration. For this reason, the skin accumulates iron pigments from your blood, resulting in dark hyperpigmentation.
How does Peripheral Artery Disease trigger Ankle Discoloration?
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) occurs whenever cholesterol and other lipids build up in the artery wall. The fatty plaque grows and solidifies, obstructing blood flow via the artery.
PAD is most commonly found in the lower legs. If the obstruction is left unaddressed, it will worsen. The reduced supply of oxygenated blood will eventually cause skin darkening in your ankles. In severe situations, deprived oxygen supply can lead to fatality, and your skin appears black and dark blue.
What Are the Common Risk Factors of Ankle Discoloration?
Although ankle discoloration can occur in anybody, some factors heighten your susceptibility to the condition. These include:
- Age- Ankle discoloration becomes more prevalent as you get older. As such, most individuals suffering from this condition are above 40 years.
- Health history- Individuals who have experienced a past vein or leg surgery, significant leg trauma, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are prime candidates for ankle discoloration.
- Poor Lifestyle Choices- Poor diet, prolonged sitting or standing, smoking, or reduced physical activity make you more susceptible to venous insufficiency as well as ankle discoloration.
When Should You Consult a Specialist About Your Ankle Discoloration?
Regardless of if it happens drastically or gradually, ankle discoloration should not be disregarded. The expert staff at Vascular Specialists suggest that you arrange an appointment for ankle discoloration assessment immediately if you experience:
- Cramping in your legs
- Heaviness in your legs
- Swollen ankles
- Crusty or scaly sores
- Hammering pain
Do you or somebody you know have ankle or foot discoloration? Do not discount it as just another symptom that will fade away; it might be warning you of a vascular condition. At Vascular Specialists, the professionals employ advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to establish the root cause of your discoloration and recommend the right therapeutic option. Whether you will need an endovenous ablation or sclerotherapy, they can help! Schedule a consultation today through your mobile device or book online.
