Watan-White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed Thursday that former U.S. President Donald Trump recently underwent a medical examination after experiencing swelling in his lower legs and bruises on his hands.
Leavitt, citing a letter from Trump’s physician, said that ultrasound imaging of his legs revealed he has chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — a condition described as common, especially in individuals over 70.
She added: “Recent photos also showed small bruises on the backs of his hands. This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation caused by frequent handshakes, combined with Trump’s use of aspirin as part of standard cardiovascular preventative care.”
The White House confirmed that no serious medical issues were found. “There was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. An electrocardiogram confirmed a normal heart structure and function, with no signs of heart failure, kidney dysfunction, or systemic illness,” Leavitt added.
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?
CVI is a circulatory disorder where veins in the legs become damaged or weakened, making it difficult for blood to return to the heart. According to Dr. Todd Berland, vascular surgeon at NYU Langone Health, the condition is very common with age, and may be genetically inherited.
Over time, valves inside the leg veins may fail, causing blood to pool in the lower legs, which increases pressure and leads to swelling, discomfort, and skin changes.
Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency:
According to Penn Medicine and health experts, symptoms can start mild but worsen over time:
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Swelling in legs or ankles
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Muscle tightness or leg cramps
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Burning, itching, or tingling sensations in the legs
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Pain when walking that improves with rest
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Skin discoloration or texture changes, especially near the ankles
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Slow-healing leg ulcers
How Serious Is CVI?
Dr. Berland says CVI does not affect life expectancy, but significantly impacts quality of life. It is not life-threatening, but untreated cases can lead to chronic pain, skin damage, and infections.
How Common Is It?
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Affects up to 40% of women and 17% of men
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About 150,000 new diagnoses annually in the U.S.
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An estimated 25 million Americans live with CVI, 6 million in advanced stages
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Risk factors: age (50+), family history, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, blood clots, or sedentary lifestyle
Treatment Options:
Most cases respond to non-surgical treatments, especially in superficial CVI, the most common form:
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Weight loss and regular exercise to improve circulation
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Avoiding long periods of sitting or standing
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Compression stockings to reduce swelling and promote blood flow
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Elevating the legs to ease discomfort and drain pooled blood
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Topical creams and medications for skin ulcers or dryness
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Blood thinners if clots are present
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Minimally invasive procedures or laser therapy in severe cases
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