What Causes Dark Blue Discolouration In Thighs And Legs While Walking?

Posted on Sun, 8 May 2016

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

Sun, 8 May 2016 Answered on

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I was was walking around the amusement park today an I sat down to take a short break, I looked down at my knees an wondered why they looked dark blue an then my mother walked over an said both my legs from mid thigh, down to my feet were totally dark blue. I quickly elevated my legs and after about 5 minutes or so, the color started to fade. Paramedics came quick when they seen it and took my vitals and everything was good an even did an ekg right on the spot and that was also good. They suggested I drink a lot of fluid an to maybe get some shade. I decided to get up 15 minutes later to walk and it started to happen again an everytime I would sit down, the blue color would go away. I am on vacation an I choose not to go to the hospital and I was hoping I could find some answer.

Answered by Dr. Mukund Savaskar (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Bilateral dark blue legs-below mid thigh/ Under Investigation

Detailed Answer:
Brief Ans-Bilateral dark blue legs-below mid thigh/ Under Investigation
Mostly from Chronic Venous Insufficiency noticed accidentally.

Hi,Dear !! Thanks for your query to HCM Virtual Clinic.
Read and reviewed your query facts in context to your health concerns.

My Primary Impression-
Based on the facts submitted, You seem to suffer from-Bilateral Varicose Veins with Chronic Venous Insufficiency, which you noticed today.
Or it could be like-you have developed DVT(Deep Vein Thrombosis) in the Chronic Varicose Veins.
Just don't worry and Keep Cool.

Update More information-as follows-
How long you have Varicose Veins?
Any family history of Varicose Vein, with your mom,sister,brother?
Did you notice it after your last delivery, was there earlier to that?
Any pain in both the legs in the past ?
Is it with worm like veins in both the legs?
Do you need to do long-standing work/ jobs?
Are you obese for your height?
What is your lipid profile, if done lately?
Update any past history of illnesses and lab reports?

Primary-Do's Suggested-in general-
Avoid Long standing job/work.
Use Venus Stockings in both legs-while working
Rest with legs Elevated-during rest hours.

Await till further suggestions after getting more details asked herewith.
I Would give more specific suggestions and remedies on getting more detailed information as asked above.

If you want to update more details and ask more update queries ,
You are most Welcome herewith !!

Good Day!!

Wishing Good Healthy Life in time to come!!

Dr.Savaskar M.N. XXXXXXX Surgical Specialist
M.S.Genl-CVTS

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D