The Connection Between Vein Disease and Leg Discoloration
Alleviate uncomfortable symptoms through advanced endovascular treatment.
Vein disease, also called venous insufficiency, is a condition that affects the normal functioning of veins, leading to various symptoms. A commonly experienced symptom of vein disease is leg discoloration.
Leg discoloration is an alarming symptom, but there are treatments available. At Georgia Endovascular, we take pride in our team of highly trained vascular specialists who are dedicated to providing superior treatment to our patients.
We’ll take a deeper look at leg discoloration below.
What causes leg discoloration?
Leg discoloration occurs when the valves within the veins become damaged or weakened, leading to blood pooling and inadequate blood flow back to the heart.
The clinical term for leg discoloration is venous stasis dermatitis caused by venous insufficiency or vein diseases and disorders.
Leg discoloration can present as splotches of deep purple, blue, brown, and red on the lower calves and ankles. This symptom often indicates disordered blood circulation in the lower extremities, though there are numerous potential causes of leg discoloration.
Certain medications can cause legs to discolor, as can infections. However, vein disease is the dominant cause of leg discoloration in the United States.
Vein disease encompasses a range of conditions, such as varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
Venous insufficiency can contribute to a disorder known as chronic venous hypertension. It occurs when increased pressure in the veins induces fluid to leak into the adjacent tissues. The accumulation of fluid can discolor the skin and may also lead to swelling, known as edema.
Venous disease is prevalent in perimenopausal and menopausal women aged 50 and older.
Additional Symptoms of Leg Discoloration
Most people experiencing leg discoloration due to venous disease also have the following symptoms:
- Leg swelling
- Leg pain
- Leg ulcers
- Itching
- Enlarged (varicose) veins
- Shiny, taut skin
- Thick skin
- Leg hair loss
Leg Discoloration Treatments
When venous disease causes the legs to discolor, medical intervention is necessary.
The treatment protocols might include the following:
- Weight loss plan
- Physical exercise
- Compression socks
- Elevating the legs
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Surgical varicose vein removal
- Sclerotherapy
Compassionate Endovascular Care in Georgia
Leg discoloration could be an indication of potentially life-altering vein disease. If you have concerns about your vascular health or about symptoms you are currently experiencing, contact our helpful team in Atlanta to schedule an evaluation today.
