Question
My job in retail requires me to stand for many hours.  I've noticed a lot of purple viens coming out in my legs and lots of redness at the ankles.  I've been wearing regular store bought support stockings - not much help.  I live in a tropical environment and they are also very hot.  Last week a sore appeared.  I thought it was a bug bite - but now there are about 12 sores and it hurts to walk.  I also don't feel good and am nauseaus, but I may have a bug on top of things.  I've been keeping my leg elevated for two days and when I did the skin isn't as red and swollen.  But I have to get back to work.  Also, what kind of dr should I see?

Answer
Hi Sonni,

It sounds like you have a condition known as venous insufficiency with venous ulcers.  The veins are not working properely and they allow fluid to accumulate in your leg especially while standing.

Once the fluid gathers, you may get wounds that appear.  It is important to have cultures of the wounds for proper antibiotic treatment if you have an infection.

I would see a Primary care physician and a vascular surgeon.

See this article for more information:

http://thetampapodiatrist.com/document_disorders.cfm?id=202

Hope that helps.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, Fl
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com