Which finding indicates venous disease?

• A. Varicose veins
• B. Brown discoloration around ankles
• C. Cold, pale feet
• D. Diminished foot pulses

Answer: (B)

Venous disease shows up in skin changes caused by venous hypertension and poor return of blood. When blood pools in the lower legs over time, RBCs leak into the tissue and are broken down, leaving iron pigment (hemosiderin) behind. That iron deposition gives a brown discoloration around the ankles, a classic sign of venous stasis and chronic venous insufficiency. This pigmented, hemosiderin-stained skin reflects ongoing venous problems and helps distinguish venous issues from arterial problems, which present with cold, pale feet and weak or absent pulses due to lack of arterial blood flow. While varicose veins are also a venous issue, the brown ankle discoloration specifically signals prolonged venous stasis and skin changes, making it the best indicator among the options.