- By Bornika Das
- Fri, 18 Jul 2025 01:22 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Chronic Venous Insufficiency: US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), the White House confirmed following the speculations around the viral photos that showed bruising on Trump’s hand and noticeably swollen ankles. In a memo from Trump's physician, the White House stated that a medical exam revealed no evidence of a more serious condition like deep vein thrombosis. “The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70,” read the memo. Adding to it, the White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said that the conditions were “benign.” This is a fairly common condition among older adults that requires a thorough checkup to rule out more serious causes of swelling in the legs. Here’s everything you need to know about Chronic Venous Insufficiency.
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a form of venous disease that occurs when veins in the legs get damaged. These damaged veins can’t manage the blood flow, the way they should, which makes it harder for the blood in the legs to return to the heart. Normally, the valves in the legs make sure that the blood returns to the heart. But these valves don’t work well, making the blood flow backwards, leading to high pressure in those veins.
CVI can affect all the types of veins in the legs, including:
Deep veins. They are large veins that are deep in the body.
Superficial veins. They are close to the skin’s surface. You can often see superficial veins.
Perforating veins. These veins connect deep and superficial veins.
With time, CVI can cause pain, swelling and skin changes in the legs. It may also lead to open sores called ulcers on your legs.
Early Signs And Symptoms Of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Achy or tired legs.
Burning, tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in your legs.
Cramping in your legs at night.
Discoloured skin that looks reddish-brown.
Oedema (swelling) in your lower legs and ankles, especially after standing a while or at the end of the day.
Flaking or itching skin on your legs or feet.
Full or heavy feeling in your legs.
Leathery-looking skin on your legs.
Ulcers (open sores), usually appear near your ankles. If they’re very painful, they may be infected.
Varicose veins.
Causes Of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic Venous Insufficiency can be caused due to:
Overweight
Pregnant
Have a family history of the problem
Had damage to your leg due to injury, surgery or previous blood clots
Illustration of the circulation system of the legs
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (Image Credits: Canva)
Other causes include:
High blood pressure in the leg veins over time, due to sitting or standing for long periods
Lack of exercise
Smoking
A blood clot in a deep vein, often in the calf or thigh (deep vein thrombosis)
Swelling and inflammation of a vein close to the skin, often in the legs (phlebitis)
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Treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Treatment for chronic venous insufficiency involves lifestyle changes and compression therapy. The lifestyle changes involve leg elevation, where legs are lifted above the level of the heart, exercise and weight management. Compression therapy is also recommended, which helps ease swelling and discomfort in the legs. Besides, there are also medications such as antibiotics, Anticoagulants or “blood thinners” and others.
(Disclaimer: This content, including suggestions and advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information before making any drastic changes in your lifestyle.)