Yesterday, it was in the news that President Trump was diagnosed with a chronic condition affecting the veins in his legs. Photos circulating online showing the president’s swollen ankles and bruised hands have fueled widespread speculation on social media. In response, the White House confirmed that he has chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition in which the veins struggle to return blood efficiently to the heart.
Let’s break down what this actually means.
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
From what we can explain what chronic venous insufficiency is. It’s a benign but very common condition, especially in individuals over the age of 50. In CVI, the valves in the leg veins don’t work as they should, making it difficult for blood to travel back to the heart a result, blood pools in the lower extremities, leading to symptoms like swelling, discomfort, a sense of heaviness, and sometimes skin discoloration or pain or itching.
Several factors can contribute to CVI, including age, family history, obesity, and pregnancy. It can also be worsened by long periods of sitting or standing.
- Recognizing the Symptoms
- Common symptoms include:
- Swelling in the legs or ankles.
- Aching or heaviness.
- Skin changes, including redness or darkening.
- Pain after standing or sitting for extended periods.
- In more severe cases, skin breakdown or ulcers.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, especially if they develop suddenly, worsen, or interfere with daily life, it’s important to consult a doctor.
While CVI is treatable, similar symptoms can point to more serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), heart disease, or other circulatory disorders.
How Is CVI Treated?
- Most treatments start with lifestyle changes:
- Exercise and regular movement
- Compression stockings (which I strongly recommend, they’re simple and effective)
- Weight management
- Dietary adjustments
In more advanced cases, medications or vascular procedures may be needed, especially if there’s significant pain, risk of ulcers, or impaired mobility. A vascular surgeon may be consulted for further intervention.
What About the Bruising on His Hands?
According to the president’s physician, the bruising on Trump’s hands is due to repeated handshaking and aspirin use. That’s plausible. Aspirin is a blood thinner, which can cause easy bruising, especially when combined with physical contact like firm or frequent handshakes.
This is a helpful reminder:
Always be aware of the side effects of any medication, particularly blood thinners. Even minor trauma can result in noticeable bruising or complications over time.
Maybe it’s time the president switched to fist bumps or elbow taps. Just saying.
As a healthcare professional, this was a meaningful case to walk through. Awareness and early management of conditions like CVI can make a real difference in quality of life.
As for President Trump, I am not worried about his condition, he has access to some of the finest medical team and care this world can offer. That said, I wish him good health.
Take care everyone,
~Pal Ronnie~
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