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Black patches on legs
I have severe knee pain and current going for physiotherapy treatment but dark patches are seen on my ankle joint causing severe pain.i am confused whether it is cellulitis,peripheral artery disease or varicose veins.please suggest
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Kindly consult a surgeon..hyperpigmentation due to diabetes or pvd
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Can be cellulitis.can be varicose vein with eczema or diabetic foot. Consult me.
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It is a bruise (bleeding into the tissues). Do the following
1. Blood tests- CBP, INR, APTT ratio, ESR, LFT and KFT
2. Apply Hirudoid cream on the area once a day for a week only
All the best.
J G S R clinic
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I totally understand your concern. Before suggesting treatment, I would like to ask a few questions to ensure the correct management can be provided.
Contact me on Practo or WhatsApp chat.
92469306sevenfour
Dr. Harichandana,
MBBS, MD (General medicine)
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If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed free discussion
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Please consult with general surgeon physically.
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Severe knee pain with physiotherapy is common (e.g., arthritis, injury, or overuse), but new dark patches on your ankle joint with severe pain are concerning and likely point to a vascular or skin issue rather than just the knee problem.
The most likely cause is venous stasis dermatitis (from chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins) — this causes brownish/dark discoloration (from iron deposits/hemosiderin), pain, swelling, and itching around the ankles. It’s very common in people with leg issues and can worsen with reduced mobility from knee pain/physio.
• Cellulitis (bacterial infection): Possible if the area is suddenly very red, hot, swollen, tender, and you have fever/chills — but dark/brown patches alone (without bright red spread) make this less likely. Cellulitis is often misdiagnosed when it’s actually stasis dermatitis.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Less likely here — PAD usually causes pale/bluish/cold skin, hair loss, pain on walking (claudication), not dark patches or severe local pain at rest.
• Varicose veins: Often linked — they can lead to the stasis changes you describe.
This needs professional check-up soon, as untreated venous issues can lead to ulcers or infection.
Next Steps
• See a doctor urgently (within 1-2 days) — go to a vascular specialist, dermatologist, or your general physician/orthopedist who can refer. They may examine, do Doppler ultrasound (to check veins/arteries), or rule out infection.
• If the area is hot, very red/spreading, feverish, or extremely painful/swollen — go to ER or urgent care today (to rule out cellulitis needing antibiotics).
• Continue physiotherapy for knee but mention the ankle changes — they may adjust exercises to avoid pressure on ankles.
• Avoid self-treating with creams/ointments without advice, as some can worsen it.
Health Tips
• Elevate your legs above heart level when sitting/resting (helps reduce swelling and pooling).
• Wear compression stockings (if doctor approves — class 1 or 2) to improve vein flow and reduce discoloration/pain.
• Keep skin moisturized (use gentle, fragrance-free cream like petroleum jelly) to prevent cracking/itching.
• Avoid long standing/sitting; walk gently if possible, and stay hydrated.
• Watch for worsening: more swelling, warmth, pus, fever, or ulcers — seek help immediately.
For the best guidance based on how the patches look, your full symptoms, age, and other health factors, please consult with me online — I can help explain more or guide what to tell the doctor. Get checked soon — most cases improve with right treatment! Take care
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Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
Consult to Dermatologist
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Dermatologist
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Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
8 yrs exp
Kolkata
Need few more details for further evaluation. Kindly consult
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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