Claudia PassarellJul 19, 2025 3 min read

Trump’s Leg Swelling Sheds Light on a Common Condition: What to Know About Chronic Venous Insufficiency

President Trump’s recent diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency is sparking new awareness of a common and treatable vein condition. │Shutterstock

President Donald Trump’s name popped up in the headlines again this week, but not for politics. His team announced he’s been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). As White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified, “no signs of more serious conditions such as heart failure or deep vein thrombosis were found.”

It sounds scary, but it’s actually a rather common condition, especially for people over 70. And if nothing else, it’s got people asking questions, which might not be a bad thing. Because chances are, someone you know (maybe even you) has experienced the early signs without even realizing it.

What on Earth Is CVI?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) happens when the valves in your leg veins weaken or get damaged. Once those tiny one-way valves that help push blood upward stop working well, blood can start to back up and collect in your legs instead of flowing toward your heart.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Swelling (usually in the ankles and feet)

  • Heavy or achy feeling in the legs

  • Tingling or numbness

  • Varicose veins

  • Skin discoloration

  • In more severe cases, open sores or ulcers

CVI occurs when vein valves in the legs weaken, causing blood to pool instead of flowing back to the heart. │Adobe Stock

Why Does It Happen?

Several things can raise your chances of developing CVI, including:

  • Getting older (especially over 50)

  • Carrying extra weight

  • Sitting or standing for long periods

  • A history of blood clots or varicose veins

  • Pregnancy

  • A family history of vein issues

In Trump’s case, the swelling was described as mild, but it was enough to run some tests. Once doctors ruled out more serious problems like clots or heart issues, they landed on chronic venous insufficiency.

How Is CVI Diagnosed?

Doctors usually start with a physical exam and ask about symptoms and medical history. From there, they’ll often use an ultrasound to check how well blood is flowing through the veins in the legs.

Before confirming CVI, they’ll also want to rule out other possible causes of swelling such as blood clots (DVT), heart issues, or kidney problems, just to be safe.

Treatment and Prevention

For most people, managing CVI starts with a few everyday changes:

  • Wearing compression socks to help blood flow better

  • Propping your legs up when resting

  • Walking daily or getting regular movement

  • Keeping a healthy weight

  • Taking breaks if you sit or stand a lot during the day

If symptoms get worsen, doctors might suggest medications or simple, low-risk procedures like laser therapy or vein ablation to close off damaged veins and improve circulation.

Managing CVI often starts with simple lifestyle shifts like walking more and wearing compression socks. │Adobe Stock

What You Can Take Away from This

Trump’s diagnosis might have grabbed headlines, but CVI is actually pretty common and very manageable.

If you are experiencing any of the same symptoms, it’s worth getting checked out. A quick scan can help catch things early and save you a lot of discomfort later on.

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