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Why Do Legs, Knees And Ankles Turn Purple After Standing Too Long?

Posted on Mon, 22 Jun 2015

Question: I am a 37 year old female, last May(2014) I was told I had OA in both my knees, feet, shoulders, and hands, my gp thought I may have RA but ruled it out after two blood test came back negative. Yesterday at work I noticed both my legs were purple from my knees to my ankles (I am a housekeeper). It went away after I laid down with a pillow under my knees. As soon as I stood up, my legs started turning purple again, this has continued throughout today also. My knees and feet are swollen, but no more than they normally are. When my legs are purple my knees and feet hurt worse but are a normal temperature, however when I lay down the swelling goes down, and the color returns to normal but my legs and feet go numb and my toes feel like ice. Could you please advise me on this?

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
vascular insufficiency

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Thank.you for writing on health care magic

Well the sort of symptoms you ste describing does look like more of venous insufficiency, that is the veins are not getting proper drainage. Common term is varicose veins. Considering your profession, you have been standing for long hours through the day. So when the veins size gets bigger they are unable to drain the blood from legs when you stand up(against gravity) and the moment you lie down gravity is eliminated and it all gets drained. I would suggest you consult a vascular surgeon and get a venous Doppler done.

I hope the information was useful

Let me know for more queries. Would be happy to help out

Regards
Dr naval

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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