Suggest Treatment For Brown Discoloration On Both Ankles

Posted on Wed, 8 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 8 Jul 2015 Answered on

Tue, 28 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently noticed brown discoloration on both ankles. Is this a red flag for circulation problems or diabetes? I'm 5"11 and 240 lbs and 27 years old- gained a lot of weight rapidly on anxiety medicine and currently losing it. I am very active, always on my feet as a teacher and run often. Photo of ankle attached

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Likely venous stasis

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern. The photo shows reddish/brown discoloration which probably is due to venous stasis. Do you have varicose veins ( dilated blue/green veins) in calf or thighs?
These types of discoloration can happen in diabetes when there is associated neuropathy.
Any tingling or numbness in legs?

Please get a CBC, fasting sugar and thyroid blood work done. Also recommend self examination in front of a mirror to look for dilated veins in legs/thighs. If that is not possible, it is wiser to meet a doctor in person.
Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar