Ankle discoloration can be a sign of vascular disease. If you have ankle discoloration, it is essential to see a physician for an evaluation and potential treatment. Ankle discoloration is a localized or diffuse area of darker skin color. If you have ulcers on your ankles or leg pain that does not go away with rest, you should immediately see a Tinley Park, IL doctor. A perfect center for ankle discoloration in Tinley Park will guide you to the right treatments.
What is Ankle Discoloration?
When blood flow to the skin is reduced, the skin’s color may change. Skin with decreased blood flow has a bluish tint due to the skin’s underlying vasculature. Other names for this discoloration include acrocyanosis, pernio, and hypostasis.
What Causes Ankle Discoloration?
In most cases, ankle discoloration is due to decreased blood flow. A variety of factors, including can cause this
- narrowed or blocked blood vessels
- peripheral artery disease
- diabetes
- smoking
- high blood pressure
Ankle Discoloration Diagnosis
If you are experiencing ankle discoloration, it is crucial to see a physician for an evaluation. The physician will likely perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history. They may also order tests to help diagnose the cause of your ankle discoloration. Some of these tests include:
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI) – This test measures the blood pressure in your arms and ankles. It can help determine if you have peripheral artery disease (PAD).
- Doppler ultrasound – This test uses sound waves to create images of your blood vessels. It can determine the severity of PAD and check for blockages in your blood vessels.
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) – This test uses magnetic-field technology to create images of your blood vessels. It can confirm or rule out PAD, as well as detect blockages in your blood vessels.
How is Ankle Discoloration Treated?
If the cause of ankle discoloration is identified and treated, the discoloration may improve. Treatment for ankle discoloration may include medications to improve blood flow and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or losing weight.
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that can treat varicose veins and spider veins. During this procedure, a physician injects a solution into the vein. This solution causes the vein to collapse and the blood redirected to other veins.
The process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete. The physician will inject the solution into the veins using a small needle. You will be able to resume your normal activities immediately following the procedure.
The other procedure is endovenous ablation is a procedure which treats varicose veins and other vein problems. During this procedure, the physician injects a chemical solution into the vein. This solution causes the vein to collapse and blood to be redirected out of it. You will then receive compression stockings or bandages to help prevent the veins from enlarging again.
Endovenous laser treatment is a procedure that uses high-energy light beams to damage the lining of affected veins. This causes the veins to collapse and blood to be redirected out of them.
If you are experiencing ankle discoloration, it is vital to see a physician for an evaluation. The physician will likely perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history. They may also order tests to help diagnose the cause of your ankle discoloration. After the diagnosis, they offer the proper treatment, including sclerotherapy and endovenous ablation.
