What Causes Redness On The Ankles?

Posted on Sat, 10 Sep 2016

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

Sat, 10 Sep 2016 Answered on

Fri, 30 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I work up this morning and both my ankles were bright red. I had fallen asleep sitting in my recliner chair, with my socks (anklets) on. I also have some red rash-like lines around my calf on both legs. Yesterday, I wore knee-high stockings.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

The redness in the way you described can be normal reactive hyperemia due to postural effect especially if the redness subsided later.

However , if there is pain and swelling or associated history of hypercoagulability , prolonged immobilisation or travel then a dvt should be ruled our. Other causes may include buerger 's disease and peripheral arterial disease.
If these symptoms recur then workup can be advised accordingly in consultation with your doctor.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Dr. M.S Khalil

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