Effective Treatments for Venous Insufficiency

Ankle discoloration can be painful and discomforting. The darkening around your ankles may also seem unattractive, which may lower your self-confidence and esteem around your peers, thus affecting your social interactions. There are available ankle discoloration Tinley Park treatments that may help treat your condition and reduce the risk of progression of venous insufficiency. This condition may get worse if not treated early enough.

What is ankle discoloration?

Ankle discoloration results in the skin around the ankles darkening. You may develop swelling around the affected area. This discoloration is usually a prevalent sign of vein disease or a chronic vein insufficiency. Your veins are responsible for transporting blood to the heart; if the veins around your legs are damaged, they cannot push blood back up, causing blood to pool in the veins: creating pressure around the legs, leading to chronic vein insufficiency. This condition, if left untreated, may cause blood to start leaking to your skin, resulting in dryness, irritation, and redness.

What causes vein insufficiency?

Vein insufficiency may start to develop if the valves in your vein do not function correctly. This lack of function may prevent blood flow back to the heart, creating a pooling around your legs, feet, and ankles. This will eventually lead to thick protruding veins known as varicose veins, a prevalent cause of vein insufficiency. If you start to notice any swellings or discolorations in your ankle, you may have varicose veins; therefore, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

What is the diagnosis and treatment of ankle discoloration?

You may first have to undergo a thorough physical examination. Your doctor may use an ultrasound to see an image of the discoloration, observe any changes in your blood vessels, and notice blood clots and blood flow. Your doctor may also check for swelling or tenderness to gather more information on your condition and develop the best treatment. Your doctor may recommend treatment options for you depending on the cause of your ankle discoloration. These treatments may include:

·                     Compression therapy

Your doctor may fit your ankle with a medical stocking that helps improve blood circulation in your legs. These compression stockings will squeeze your legs, encouraging blood flow past the faulty valves and then back to your heart.

·                     Lifestyle changes

Your doctor may recommend some lifestyle changes that can help improve blood circulation, thus preventing venous insufficiency. These changes may include:

       Maintaining a healthy weight

        Regular exercise

        Avoid excess use of salt

         Avoid standing in one position for long

If the above treatments do not treat venous insufficiency, your doctor may use other minimally invasive procedures. These treatments may include:

·                     Endovenous ablation

This treatment uses laser energy to close abnormal veins so that circulation is normal. It also reduces pain and swelling.

·                     Ambulatory phlebectomy

Your doctor may make minor cuts in your skin to remove the damaged veins.

These procedures may provide quick recovery and resolve venous insufficiency.

If you notice any symptoms of ankle discoloration, visit Vascular Specialists or request an appointment online.