Leg Discoloration

 

If you have recently noticed changes in the color or tone of your skin on your legs/ankles, skin blotches, red or brown spots, you may be experiencing a common symptom of vein disease. Leg discoloration happens to millions of Americans.

At our vein center in Watertown, we offer free screenings to diagnose vein disease. Book a free vein screening in our vein clinics near you to have your symptoms diagnosed and learn more about the treatment options.

What is Leg Discoloration?

Leg discoloration happens when the blood in the legs doesn't flow properly and leaks as pressure builds up in your vein. When blood leaks out of the vein, it collects in your skin, resulting in the appearance of dark purple or red blotches.

When to See a Vein Doctor Near Me?

If you are only showing minor symptoms, an adjustment to a healthy lifestyle such as diet and exercise can help you alleviate the conditions.

For more serious cases, it's recommended that you consult vein doctors for personalized treatments.
Book a consultation today to learn about your symptoms, risk factors, treatment plan, and insurance coverage.

Causes

Leg discoloration is commonly caused by two conditions.

  1. Venous Stasis Dermatitis: This is a skin condition that affects the body's lower parts, including the legs, ankles, and feet. The condition appears because of the build-up of fluid due to varicose veins, circulation issues, or heart issues.

  2. Chronic Venous Insufficiency: As chronic venous insufficiency develops, the one-way valves that keep blood from coming back down become weak. The damaged and weakened valves prevent blood flow back from the legs to the heart, causing blood to pool in veins.

Pressure starts building up in the veins as your body moves, and blood leaks into the surrounding skin. Hemoglobin in red blood cells is then broken down and stains the surrounding tissues, resulting in the discoloration of skin in the legs.

Symptoms

The most noticeable symptoms include:

  • Swelling around the ankles

  • Red or brown patches on the lower legs, ankles, or feet.

  • Irritation or skin rash.

Without diagnosis and treatment, leg discoloration can worsen and other symptoms may begin to present themselves.

  • Varicose Veins

  • Itching and Burning

  • Leg Pain

  • Leg Ulcers

  • Eczema

Risk Factors

Skin discoloration can develop in anyone, but some people are more prone to this symptom such as:

  • Women who have had multiple pregnancies

  • People over the age of 50

  • Those who are overweight

  • Kidney failure

  • Previous surgery or injury on lower legs

  • Unhealthy lifestyle

Request a Free Screening

Treatment

It's important to receive timely diagnosis and treatment for underlying vein disease that causes skin discoloration. In order to have the condition treated properly, it is recommended that patients find a board-certified vein specialist and a well-facilitated vein clinic.

At Physicians Vein Clinics in Watertown, our team of vein doctors uses conservative and minimally invasive procedures to address skin discoloration. Our Watertown vein specialists will determine a personalized treatment plan for you depending on your condition and medical history. Our procedures include:

  • Endovenous Laser Ablation: Endovenous Laser Ablation is a minimally invasive method for treating chronic venous insufficiency using laser energy to shrink and collapse the treated veins. 

  • Sclerotherapy: This procedure shrinks and collapses abnormal veins by injecting an FDA-approved chemical agent into the vein. The sclerotherapy causes the damaged veins to collapse, rerouting your blood to healthier vessels.

  • Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small scalpel or needle to remove varicose veins lying just beneath the surface of the leg. It is one of the most common and very effective procedures for vein treatment.

Worried About Vein Treatment Cost?

Physicians Vein Clinics accepts most insurances.  Our staff will provide you with the information you need to call your insurance company and find out what coverage you have. If you are not covered by your plan, we offer financing payments like GreenSky and CareCredit to help you regain your vein health at the most affordable price.  

 
 

Schedule an Appointment for a Consultation in Watertown, SD

No referral is necessary. We accept most major insurances.

 

Our Watertown Vein Clinic

2420 9th Ave. Southeast
Watertown, SD 57201

P. (605) 878-2600