ANKLE DISCOLORATION

Think of your leg veins as a complex pumping system. When the one-way valves in your veins weaken, blood flows backward (reflux) instead of returning to your heart. This creates increased pressure in your lower legs, leading to a condition called venous stasis dermatitis.

Expert Insight: While ankle discoloration can have many causes, vein-related skin changes often signal underlying circulation issues that require medical attention.

When pressure builds in your leg veins, it triggers a chain reaction:

• Fluid and proteins leak into surrounding tissues
• Leg swelling develops
• Inflammation occurs
• Skin becomes dry, itchy, and irritated
• A distinctive reddish-brown discoloration appears

Expert Insight: The skin changes often begin subtly but can darken and spread over time. Early treatment of underlying vein problems can prevent progression.

Untreated venous stasis can lead to more serious complications:

• Difficulty with skin healing
• Development of shallow wounds (venous ulcers)
• Increased risk of infection
• Challenging recovery times

Expert Insight: About half of venous ulcers remain unhealed for nine months or longer, making early intervention crucial.

At Vascular Solutions, we develop customized treatment plans focused on:

• Addressing underlying vein conditions
• Preventing progression of skin changes
• Reducing risk of complications

Our Comprehensive Approach:

• Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
• Customized Treatment Planning
• Progressive Care Options
• Treatment Solutions Include:
• Venclose® thermal therapy
• VenaSeal™ adhesive treatment
• Varithena® foam procedure
• Specialized phlebectomy
• Targeted sclerotherapy
• Compression therapy
• Strategic leg elevation

Expert Insight: The key to successful treatment is addressing the root cause - the underlying vein condition - not just the visible skin changes.

The problems that cause venous stasis dermatitis also increase the likelihood of developing a leg wound. Excess fluid and leg swelling make it difficult for the skin to heal and repair. The medical name for a leg wound that develops secondary to vein problems is a venous ulcer (sometimes referred to as a “venous stasis ulcer”). Venous ulcers usually first appear as a shallow wound and are typically located just above the ankle bone.

Venous ulcers are potentially serious because they can be difficult to heal. About half of all venous ulcers remain unhealed for nine months or longer. The longer a venous ulcer goes without healing, the more likely you are to develop a skin or bone infection.