...
By Gabe Whisnant
News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday read a letter from a physician aimed at addressing public concerns over visible swelling in President Trump's ankles and bruising on his hand, which had been concealed with makeup.
Leavitt explained that Trump had noticed "mild swelling" in his lower legs and was evaluated by the White House medical unit, which found "no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease."
Instead, doctors determined he has chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), or blood pooling in his veins, a condition Leavitt described as common among individuals over the age of 70.
Read More on Politics
She added that Trump was not experiencing any discomfort related to the condition.
As for the bruising on Trump's hand, Leavitt said it was "consistent" with irritation from "frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin." She concluded by stating, "the president remains in excellent health."
Leavitt said at the end of her opening remarks, in part, "I know that many in the media have been speculating about bruising on the president's hand and also swelling in the president's legs. In the effort of transparency, the president wanted me to share a note from his physician ... all results were within normal limits."
Her statement continued, "Recent photos of the president have shown minor bruising on the back of his hand. This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent hand-shaking and the use of aspirin, "which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen."
Donald Trump's Health: Concerns Tied to 'Swollen' Ankles
Concerns about President Trump's health resurfaced this week after images showed visible swelling in his ankles and a bruised hand, which had been masked with makeup. In response, Leavitt shared a physician's letter stating that Trump had experienced "mild swelling" in his lower legs but was evaluated and cleared of serious conditions.
In April, President Trump's doctor released an official memo regarding the commander-in-chief's health after he underwent an annual physical under the care of Captain Sean Barbabella, who serves as the president's physician.
Trump's "vital statistics" list his height as 75 inches (or 6 feet and 3 inches tall), his weight as 224 pounds, with a resting heart rate of 62 beats per minute and a blood pressure of 128/74. In 2020, he had weighed 244 pounds and had a blood pressure of 121/79.
Bardella mentioned Trump's "frequent victories in golf events" in his positive evaluation.
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a medical condition in which the veins in the legs have difficulty sending blood back to the heart. This occurs when the valves in the leg veins, which are supposed to keep blood flowing upward, become weak or damaged, allowing blood to pool in the lower extremities. CVI typically develops slowly over time and is more common in older adults, especially those who spend long periods standing or sitting. The condition is not typically life-threatening but can lead to discomfort and visible changes in the legs if left untreated.
...
What are Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency and How is it Treated?
Symptoms of CVI include leg swelling, aching or cramping, heaviness, visible varicose veins, skin discoloration, and in more advanced cases, ulcers around the ankles. These symptoms often worsen after long periods of standing or sitting and improve with leg elevation.
Treatment for CVI depends on severity but often starts with lifestyle changes like regular exercise, leg elevation, and wearing compression stockings. In more persistent or severe cases, medical interventions such as sclerotherapy, laser therapy, or vein surgery may be recommended to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms.
The National Library of Health's MedlinePlus website says, "Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart."
The condition "tends to get worse over time" but "can be managed if treatment is started in the early stated stages," the website says.
In an emailed statement to Newsweek, Dr. David Dexter, a vascular surgeon at Sentara Vascular Specialists in Norfolk, Virginia, said a new surgical replacement valve could soon help treat severe CVI.
"There are currently no effective treatments for severe CVI of the deep vein system, but a potential first-in-class surgical replacement venous valve called the VenoValve is now undergoing FDA approval with a decision expected next month. Clinical data demonstrates VenoValve is an effective treatment for patients with deep venous reflux with no other options for treatment."
Varicose Veins vs Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Differences Explained
Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency are related but distinct conditions. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that are often visible just under the skin's surface and are a common symptom of CVI. While varicose veins may exist on their own as a cosmetic concern, chronic venous insufficiency is a broader and more serious condition that involves impaired blood flow and valve dysfunction in the leg veins. CVI can lead to significant discomfort and complications like skin changes and ulcers, whereas varicose veins may not always cause symptoms. However, untreated varicose veins can progress into CVI over time.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Update: 7/17/25, 2:39 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Update: 7/17/25, 3:58 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Update: 7/18/25, 7:44 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Correction, 05/27/26, 5:42 a.m. ET: A previous version of this article incorrectly referred to Donald Trump as “former president.” He was president at the time in question. The article has been updated.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines