Why is there discoloration on my ankle?
The most common cause of ankle discoloration is a vein condition called venous reflux. Venous reflux is where the valves in your leg veins have stopped working properly. Another name for this condition is venous insufficiency. When the valves in your leg veins aren’t working properly back-pressure can build.
Why are my ankles looking bruised?
Ankle discoloration develops for many reasons, ranging from bruising caused by a sprained ankle to red skin resulting from an infection (cellulitis). Skin discoloration around your ankle may also signal a potentially serious vein condition called venous stasis dermatitis.
What do you do if your ankle is purple?
But if your foot starts to take on a purple color without any bumps or bruises, you should see your doctor. Purple feet are a sign of a circulation problem that can be potentially serious. When circulation in your feet is healthy, cuts heal quickly and your skin retains its natural color.
What causes purple discoloration on lower legs?
Hemosiderin Deposits: Hemosiderin is caused when the iron in red blood cells is broken down. When blood pools in the lower extremities, iron collects in the skin. As the iron breaks down, these deposits can appear as purple or brown bruises on the lower legs, ankles and feet.
Why are my ankles black and blue?
The black and blue appearance of your ankle occurs because tiny blood vessels within the soft tissues (called capillaries) have been torn. When these tiny vessels are damaged, blood is allowed to escape the vessels and leak into the tissue.
Is Venous Insufficiency life threatening?
Venous insufficiency is a common condition. It is not life-threatening, but it is usually chronic. Symptoms of venous insufficiency include varicose veins, swelling, and heavy, aching legs.
Why do older people’s legs turn purple?
Circulatory deficiency means the valves located in the legs cannot push blood upward to the heart. Damaged or aging veins in the body can lead to blood pooling in the feet which causes purple legs in elderly individuals.
How do I get rid of my black and blue ankles?
How do you treat a bruise?
- Immediately following an injury, place a cold pack wrapped in a towel over the injured area for no longer than 15 to 20 minutes.
- After two days, apply a heating pad or warm compress to the area.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen.
What does venous stasis look like?
Venous stasis dermatitis causes significant changes in the appearance of the skin on your legs. The most common sign of venous stasis dermatitis is brown or red skin discoloration around your ankles and lower legs. This pigmentation, deposits of hemosiderin, develops when your blood’s hemoglobin breaks down.
What does it mean if your ankle is purple?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and a leg turning purple is a serious sign of circulation complications related to the arteries. It is very important to understand how PAD is related to many other health complications such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It is crucial to address lower limb health complications as early as possible in order to save the legs.
What causes skin to turn dark around the ankles?
Venous Stasis. Venous stasis causes pooling red blood cells to stain the skin of the ankles from the inside out,creating reddish or brown patches on the ankles,according to
Why is my ankle purple and swollen?
Causes of Ankle Discoloration. Stasis dermatitis occurs as a direct consequence of venous insufficiency.
What are the most common causes of purple skin?
Skin causes of purple skin