What is chronic venous insufficiency? What to know about Trump's swollen legs diagnosis
The surprise announcement came Thursday from press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who said Trump recently underwent a 'comprehensive examination' by the White House medical unit after he noticed 'mild swelling in his lower legs' in recent weeks.
That exam led to a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, though Leavitt stressed that no other serious issues were found.
4 President Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common ailment in Americans over age 70, the White House revealed.
Al Drago – Pool via CNP / MEGA
'There was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,' she said. 'An echocardiogram was also performed and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function, no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness were identified.'
Leavitt shared the update while addressing speculation about bruising recently spotted on Trump's hands, attributing it to 'minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin' as a preventative heart-health measure.
'The president remains in excellent health, which I think all of you witness on a daily basis here,' Leavitt told reporters.
It's not yet clear how Trump will be treated for the condition — but here's what you need to know about the ailment.
What is chronic venous insufficiency and what causes it?
It's a form of venous disease that can occur when the veins in your legs become damaged or weakened, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Over time, they lose their ability to efficiently return blood to the heart. As a result, blood begins to pool in the lower legs, causing increased pressure in the veins.
4 Chronic venous insufficiency stems from damaged or weakened veins in the legs.
Bluee – stock.adobe.com
What are the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency?
Symptoms may start off mild, but over time, patients often experience increasing pain and discomfort, per Penn Medicine.
Common symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency may include:
Swelling in the legs or ankles
A tight feeling in the calves or painful leg cramps and muscle spasms
Burning, tingling or itching sensations in the legs
Pain while walking that eases with rest
Discolored or leathery-looking skin, often near the ankles
Varicose veins or leg ulcers that are slow to heal
4 Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that can be seen just under the skin, often appearing blue or dark red.
Dimid – stock.adobe.com
Is chronic venous insufficiency common?
Yes. According to Mount Sinai, it affects up to 40% of women and 17% of men.
Studies show that each year, roughly 150,000 new cases of chronic venous insufficiency are diagnosed in the US. More than 25 million Americans are estimated to be living with the condition, about 6 million of them in advanced stages.
Your risk increases if you have a history of blood clots in the leg, pregnancy, or a family history of the condition. Smoking, prolonged sitting or standing and obesity also raise the chances of developing it.
Chronic venous insufficiency typically affects people over 50, with risk growing as you age.
4 White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said bruising on Trump's hands was 'minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin.'
Aaron Schwartz / Pool via CNP / SplashNews.com
Is there a treatment for chronic venous insufficiency?
Fortunately, many people find relief through noninvasive treatments, according to Penn Medicine.
If you're overweight, your doctor may suggest a weight loss plan to reach a healthier range. Exercise not only helps with weight management but also improves blood circulation.
Patients are often advised to move more frequently to avoid sitting or standing for long periods. Compression socks that gently squeeze the legs can also aid blood flow and reduce swelling.
If sores or skin issues develop, creams, lotions and medications can help soothe dry or cracked skin. Blood thinners, or anticoagulants, may be prescribed to treat existing blood clots and prevent new ones.
For those with more severe symptoms that don't respond to these measures, doctors might recommend minimally invasive procedures or surgery.
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