Ankle Discoloration Specialist

Ankle discoloration refers to abnormal changes in the color of the skin around your ankles. In the early stages, ankle discoloration appears as red patches that resemble a rash. As the discoloration spreads, it may turn yellow or brown.

Typically, venous insufficiency conditions, such as varicose veins, cause ankle discoloration. Faulty valves in your blood vessels allow blood to pool within your veins. Varicose veins occur when excess blood stretches the vein, causing it to become thick and twisted.

Left untreated, venous insufficiency around the ankle can lead to a skin condition called stasis dermatitis, and potential change to venous stasis ulcers.

These conditions cause a range of symptoms, such as:

• Itching
• Scaling
• Leg swelling
• Lower leg pain
• Fatigue, and restlessness

Without treatment, ankle discoloration and other skin changes can become permanent. Your skin may thicken, harden, or become very dark in color.

When you see Dr. Taghizadeh at San Diego Varicose Vein Treatment Center for evaluation, he reviews your medical history and symptoms and then performs a physical examination. He may order vascular imaging, lower extremity arterial and venous ultrasound, he may also request a venogram, to provide a clearer picture of the inside of your blood vessels. A venogram uses a contrast fluid to improve the visibility of your veins using fluoroscopy.

Dr. Taghizadeh has extensive experience and a comprehensive understanding of the vascular conditions that cause. He tailors your personal treatment plan based on your health history, lifestyle, and other individual factors.

To address venous insufficiency and  varicose vein, Dr. Taghizadeh may recommend:

• Use of compression garments
• Prescription medications
• Laser vein treatments
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Clarivein
• Vrithena

Sometimes, the best option for varicose veins is to surgically remove the vein itself. Dr. Taghizadeh has expertise in a minimally invasive, outpatient removal procedure known as microphlebectomy

If you worry about embarrassing ankle discoloration or suffer from painful varicose veins in your legs, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Taghizadeh. Call San Diego Varicose Vein Treatment Center today or make an appointment online.