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What Causes Indentation In The Ankles?

Posted on Wed, 28 Dec 2016

Question: Recently I have ha slight sock indentions on both ankles. I take meds for high blood pressure, cholesterol and hypothyroidism. I asked my PCP about the indentions & he said there was no swelling, redness or heat in my legs so nothing to worry about. He said it happens during menopause & to folks who are over 58 or so.
It is not pitting Edema & the indention go away rapid after I take of my socks. What's your opinion ?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
nothing serious probably

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

this is something that may occur even to younger individuals. If it's only a slight indentation of the skin, it's not really important, particularly since the indentation wears off after removing the socks. Perhaps the socks are too tight?

Things to consider if the swelling gets worse:

- vein insufficiency
- proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia
- right (or congestive) heart failure. This diagnosis requires more symptoms than just a mild swelling though...

I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (28 minutes later)

I have been wearing looser socks.

Some days I do not have sock indentions ?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
problems in the microcirculation probably

Detailed Answer:
I see... this is probably a problem in microcirculation, that is in small vessels that age along with the rest of the body. This is not important and there's nothing that can be done about it. I suppose the worst days involve a lot of standing and/or high temperatures. That's what makes fluid return less efficient anyway...

Kind Regards!

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar