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What Causes Purple And Blue Discoloration On The Legs?
Question: I have recently had problems with left leg & hip. Wearing cowboy boots, throws weight to balls of my feet & seems to help. Then a couple of days ago both of my legs turned purple blue & hurt. Last night my right leg cramped, hurt like H. I take 1 B-12,1 aspirin, 1 90 tab Lisinopril a day. I am 85 and active. This is a shocker.
Brief Answer:
Peripheral cyanosis...
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking HealthcareMagic.
I have read your symptoms and my answer is as follows:
The changes in color that you describe, purple blue correlate with what we call peripheral cyanosis. Peripheral cyanosis is the blue tint in extremities, due to an inadequate or obstructed circulation. It happens when blood that passes in our extremities is not oxygen-rich and when viewed through the skin can lead to the appearance of a blue color. After the changes in color,pain and cramps are the next symptoms.
In most of the cases,the causes are:
-cold exposure
-hypovolaemia or low blood pressure and even anemia
-arterial obstruction ( peripheral vascular disease)
-venous obstruction (deep vein thrombosis)
-varicose veins
-heart problems
In your case i'd suggest you to stop wearing cowboy boots. These boots can keep your extremities cold for longer.
Also when you'll go to sleep, just remember to put a pillow under your feet, this way it will help with the circulation.
If i're your caring doctor, i would also recommend to get a doppler ultrasound done of your extremities to check the blood circulation and the flow on the veins. If there are signs of varicose veins or venous thrombosis than you need to start the appropriate treatment. Depending from the results of the ultrasound you might need to consult an angiologist (vascular medicine specialist) for further treatment.
If you have any other question, please feel free to contact me.
Wishing you the best.
Dr.Endri Katro
Peripheral cyanosis...
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking HealthcareMagic.
I have read your symptoms and my answer is as follows:
The changes in color that you describe, purple blue correlate with what we call peripheral cyanosis. Peripheral cyanosis is the blue tint in extremities, due to an inadequate or obstructed circulation. It happens when blood that passes in our extremities is not oxygen-rich and when viewed through the skin can lead to the appearance of a blue color. After the changes in color,pain and cramps are the next symptoms.
In most of the cases,the causes are:
-cold exposure
-hypovolaemia or low blood pressure and even anemia
-arterial obstruction ( peripheral vascular disease)
-venous obstruction (deep vein thrombosis)
-varicose veins
-heart problems
In your case i'd suggest you to stop wearing cowboy boots. These boots can keep your extremities cold for longer.
Also when you'll go to sleep, just remember to put a pillow under your feet, this way it will help with the circulation.
If i're your caring doctor, i would also recommend to get a doppler ultrasound done of your extremities to check the blood circulation and the flow on the veins. If there are signs of varicose veins or venous thrombosis than you need to start the appropriate treatment. Depending from the results of the ultrasound you might need to consult an angiologist (vascular medicine specialist) for further treatment.
If you have any other question, please feel free to contact me.
Wishing you the best.
Dr.Endri Katro
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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