Swelling & Skin Discoloration of the Leg & Ankle: A Race Against Time
Evan Harris, MD, DVIR, DABVLM, RPVI, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, certified by the American Board of Radiology with qualifications in Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology. He is the lead physician at the Center for Vein Restoration's Glastonbury, CT, and Cromwell, CT, locations.
“As a vein physician, nothing pains me more than to see a patient who has waited months, sometimes years, to seek the advice of a vein doctor about ankle and leg swelling and discoloration. The consequences of not properly treating the root cause of these symptoms, vein disease, are heartbreaking.” - Dr. Evan Harris
Why You Should See a Vascular Specialist About Skin Discoloration and Swelling
Leg swelling and skin discoloration are common symptoms that can arise from various underlying medical conditions. While occasional mild swelling or discoloration shouldn’t cause immediate concern, persistent or severe symptoms demand medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.
Talk to your vascular specialist if you’re experiencing any changes to the skin of your lower legs and ankles, including:
Persistent Skin Discoloration: If you notice persistent color changes in your skin, such as darkening or reddening, especially in your lower legs and ankles, it may indicate underlying vascular issues like chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
Skin Texture Changes: Any noticeable changes in skin texture, such as thickening, hardening, or a "woody" feel, may indicate advanced vein disease and lead to complications like venous ulcers.
Skin Irritation or Itching: If you experience persistent itching, irritation, or discomfort in the skin of your legs and ankles, it could be a sign of underlying dermatological conditions related to venous insufficiency, such as venous stasis dermatitis or varicose eczema.
Development of Skin Lesions: The appearance of scaly, crusty sores or open wounds on the lower legs or ankles should prompt a consultation with your vascular specialist. These lesions may indicate venous ulcers, requiring prompt evaluation and management to prevent complications.
Changes in Vein Appearance: If you notice the development of varicose veins, spider veins, or other visible abnormalities in the veins of your legs, it may be a sign of underlying chronic venous insufficiency. Addressing these changes early can help prevent progression and associated skin complications.
“What appears on the outside of the skin, where it is visible, is often just “the tip of the iceberg.” It cannot be remedied until the root cause—vein disease—is properly diagnosed and corrected.” – Dr. Evan Harris, CVR vein physician
Swelling or Edema: A vascular specialist should evaluate persistent swelling or edema in the legs and ankles, particularly if accompanied by skin changes. Swelling may indicate impaired circulation and venous insufficiency. If left untreated, skin issues can develop.
Non-Healing Wounds: If you have wounds on your legs or ankles that take a long time to heal or do not respond to typical treatment, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Non-healing wounds may be an indication of underlying vascular issues that require specialized care.
Certain conditions, such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and heart failure, can cause leg swelling and discoloration, which requires timely medical intervention. If you experience swollen or discolored legs regularly, we recommend you see your vascular specialist to rule out any severe underlying conditions.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Skin Discoloration
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a type of vein disease caused by malfunctioning venous valves in the veins and blood vessels. When damaged, these valves impair blood flow from the lower extremities to the back of the heart for oxygen. The consequences of CVI go beyond mere cosmetic concerns like varicose veins and skin discoloration, causing debilitating symptoms and complications that can drastically impact one's health and quality of life.
When the valves become damaged and malfunction, blood pools in the lower legs and feet instead of circulating back up to the heart. This pooling of blood in the tissues can cause the skin to darken and stain while preventing oxygen from getting to the skin of the legs, building pressure that can further vein deterioration and damage.
As the pressure builds in the legs, stagnant blood and fluids collect in the surrounding tissues, leading to inflammation. Over time, the skin around the ankles or shins can become thick, firm, and hot, while the legs develop a "woody" or "leathery" feel. Ultimately, this can lead to the development of scaly, crusty sores and venous leg ulcers that often become open wounds that do not heal or chronic wounds.
The build-up of pressure in the legs can lead to problems like swelling, discoloration, and even ulcers. Patients experiencing these or other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency should know that chronic venous insufficiency can get worse over time. The sooner you evaluate your symptoms, the better your chance of preventing these complications.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Skin Conditions
Several skin conditions are associated with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). These conditions arise due to impaired circulation, inflammation, and tissue damage when blood pools in the lower extremities.
Some of the common skin conditions that are related to vein disease include:
Venous Stasis Dermatitis: Also known as gravitational or venous eczema, venous stasis dermatitis is a common skin condition associated with CVI. It typically presents as red, inflamed, and itchy patches of skin on the lower legs, ankles, and feet. The inflammation is caused by the accumulation of fluid and blood in the tissues due to chronic venous insufficiency.
Varicose Eczema: Varicose eczema, also known as gravitational eczema or stasis dermatitis, occurs specifically in individuals with varicose veins. It is characterized by red, itchy, and sometimes weeping skin around the veins. The skin may become thickened and discolored over time.
Venous Ulcers: Venous ulcers are open wounds that develop on the lower legs or ankles due to chronic venous insufficiency. They typically occur in areas with increased pressure due to pooling blood and fluid. Venous ulcers often heal slowly and can become chronic if not properly managed.
Lipodermatosclerosis: Lipodermatosclerosis is a skin condition characterized by hardening and thickening skin on the lower legs, particularly around the ankles. It is often associated with chronic venous insufficiency and may cause discomfort and pain in affected individuals.
Pigmentation Changes: Chronic venous insufficiency can lead to skin pigmentation changes, resulting in hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. These changes are typically seen in areas with venous congestion and blood pooling.
Atrophie Blanche: Atrophie blanche is a skin condition characterized by white, scar-like patches on the lower legs. It results from damage to the small blood vessels in the skin due to chronic venous insufficiency. Areas of hyperpigmentation may surround these patches.
Pruritus: Itching, or pruritus, is a common symptom associated with vein disease and related skin conditions. Itching may be caused by inflammation, dry skin, or irritation from venous stasis dermatitis or other skin changes.
What Happens If You Ignore Your Vein Disease Symptoms?
Untreated vein disease, particularly chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), can significantly affect your health and well-being.
Progressive Symptoms: Vein disease tends to worsen over time if not addressed. You may experience increasing leg swelling, discomfort, and fatigue, impacting your daily life. In the later stages of vein disease, some people become immobile due to inflammation and pain. Because exercise is vital to moving the blood, inactivity creates a snowball effect that leads to more significant deterioration.
Chronic Pain and Discomfort: Untreated vein disease can lead to ongoing leg pain and discomfort, making engaging in activities you enjoy challenging.
Skin Changes and Ulcers: Vein disease can cause noticeable changes to your skin, such as discoloration and thickening. In severe cases, it may lead to venous ulcers, which can be painful and slow to heal.
Reduced Mobility: As symptoms progress, you may find it harder to move around comfortably. This can affect your independence and ability to participate in daily tasks.
Impact on Mental Health: Dealing with the physical symptoms and changes in appearance associated with vein disease can affect your mental well-being. It's essential to address these concerns and seek support if needed.
Increased Risk of Complications: Untreated vein disease raises the risk of complications like blood clots and skin infections. These can be serious and require urgent medical attention.
Decreased Quality of Life: The cumulative effect of untreated vein disease can significantly affect one's overall quality of life. Prioritizing one's health and seeking treatment to improve one's well-being is essential. The discomfort and embarrassment of their skin condition, including visible oozing and wound odor, can make people feel socially unaccepted. Many are forced to stop working or attending functions they love, such as family gatherings.
In the case of one patient who came to me late in her disease progression, she stopped attending church because the fluid that leaked from her sores onto the floor caused her shame.
Addressing vein disease early can help prevent costly complications. Investing in your health now can save you time and resources in the long run.
Untreated vein disease can significantly impact various aspects of life. However, you can improve your health and well-being by addressing your symptoms and seeking treatment.
Don’t Wait to Get Vein Disease Symptoms Under Control
Understandably, some patients may confuse their symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency for something else. Many individuals may not recognize the early signs and symptoms of vein disease or may attribute them to other factors such as aging or fatigue. As a result, they may delay seeking medical attention until their symptoms become more severe or debilitating. However, it's essential to prioritize your health and seek timely medical attention if you suspect you may have vein disease. Early intervention can help prevent complications and improve outcomes in the long term.
Treating Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Patients can effectively manage chronic venous insufficiency through a combination of lifestyle modifications, conservative therapies, and medical interventions. The specific treatment approach depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying causes of CVI. At Center for Vein Restoration, we want you to get involved in your care.
Here are some ways you can help mitigate the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency:
Get Regular Exercise: Engaging in low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or cycling can help improve circulation and strengthen the leg muscles, reducing symptoms of CVI.
Leg Elevation: Elevating the legs above the heart level when resting can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow back to the heart.
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the veins and alleviate symptoms of CVI.
Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Changing positions frequently and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing can help prevent blood from pooling in the legs.
Compression stockings: Compression stockings apply pressure to the legs, helping to improve circulation, prevent swelling, and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms.
Your vascular specialist’s medical recommendations for chronic venous insufficiency treatments, including medication or minimally invasive procedures to help improve your circulation. Creams or ointments containing ingredients such as corticosteroids, vitamin E, or aloe vera may be prescribed to help soothe and heal the skin in areas affected by chronic venous insufficiency-related skin changes.
Your vascular specialist may recommend minimally invasive procedures in an outpatient setting, such as laser or radiofrequency ablation or sclerotherapy to treat smaller varicose or spider veins. These procedures use heat energy to seal off diseased veins, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins.
For individuals with venous ulcers or skin breakdown, specialized wound care may be necessary to promote healing and prevent infection. This may include wound dressings, debridement, and antibiotic therapy as needed.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency Treatment with Center for Vein Restoration
Treatment for chronic venous insufficiency is tailored to each individual based on the severity of symptoms, complications, and other medical factors. A comprehensive approach that combines lifestyle modifications, conservative therapies, and medical interventions can help effectively manage CVI and improve your quality of life.
Our board-certified vascular specialists are always available to help you manage your chronic venous insufficiency symptoms. You don't have to choose between missing out on essential things and seeking the comfort you deserve if you have skin changes and swelling in your lower legs and ankles. We're here to assist you in every possible way.
Call 240-512-4759 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a Center for Vein Restoration near you.