Discoloration of the Leg Following Ankle Injury
To provide some background, I have been previously diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), dysautonomia, and an IgA deficiency. I’m a 31-year-old female. Recently, I experienced significant discomfort in my internal right ankle, which felt heavily bruised and was painful when I tried to walk on it. Initially, I assumed I had injured it somehow, even though I don't recall any specific incident. However, by the eighth day, the ankle had swollen noticeably. I visited my doctor, where tests revealed a negative D-dimer, normal cell count (which ruled out any signs of infection), and standard X-rays. What’s perplexing is that my entire right leg has developed a faint bluish hue. Both my physical therapist and I observed this, and my physician was uncertain as well since we had excluded the likelihood of a blood clot. The swelling reduced four days ago, yet the discoloration lingers. During the period of swelling, I also experienced a sensation of my foot becoming numb, but that issue has since resolved. Should I consult a specialist to investigate this further? My doctor recommended a period of rest lasting 7-10 days along with the use of NSAIDs for pain relief. Additionally, I should mention that in the past, I've experienced episodes where both arms would become numb for several hours without explanation, and my rheumatologist has been unable to determine the cause. After my POTS diagnosis, I underwent tests with a cardiologist, all of which came back normal including echo, EEG, and stress tests. I'm seeking advice on whether I should pursue additional evaluations or simply let things be as my ankle recuperates. Thank you in advance for any insights!
Answers (1)
9/12/2025, 5:30:58 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the discoloration of your leg after your ankle issue. Your symptoms and medical history suggest a complex situation, but it’s important to acknowledge that you are taking proactive steps in seeking clarity about your health.
Main Points:
- Despite gradual improvement, lingering discoloration and previous numbness warrant further evaluation.
- Observations you've made may suggest issues that could benefit from specialist consultation.
Explanation:
The faint bluish hue you’re experiencing could be related to various factors, including venous insufficiency due to changes in circulation or bruising that may take longer to resolve than expected. Given your medical history, including POTS and dysautonomia, it’s possible that your vascular responses may be contributing to the discoloration. The previous numbness and the current symptoms could be intertwined.
Your physician's recommendations for rest and NSAIDs for pain relief are sound, but because of the persistence of the discoloration and the past episodes of numbness, further exploration might be beneficial. Consulting a specialist, such as a vascular doctor or a neurologist, could help clarify if there’s a deeper vascular or neurological issue that still needs to be addressed.
Next Steps:
- Continue Rest and Manage Pain: Follow the resting recommendation and use NSAIDs as prescribed for pain.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in color, swelling, or sensation, and note any potential triggers or patterns.
- Specialist Referral: Consider consulting a vascular specialist or neurologist to investigate the discoloration and any related symptoms. This can provide you with more targeted information about your condition.
- Document Symptoms: Maintain a symptom diary, noting when discoloration changes, any episodes of numbness, and any new symptoms. This information can be helpful for your specialists.
Your health matters, and it’s good to be thorough especially given your history. Don’t hesitate to seek further assessments to ensure your concerns are fully addressed. Take care!
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