US President Donald Trump was recently diagnosed with a benign condition known as Chronic Venous Insufficiency, after being examined for swelling in legs, and bruising. An official statement from the White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, revealed that the President, 79, suffers from the condition due to constant "hand-shaking" and the use of "aspirin" (as part of preventive cardiac health). She also said that all of his reports were “were within normal limits”, and he had “normal cardiac structure and function, no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness”.
But what is Chronic venous insufficiency, and what symptoms does it cause? We'll take a look...
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic Venous Insufficiency occurs when the veins of your legs cannot properly pump blood back towards the heart. The normal functioning of your veins depends on tiny valves, which act as one-way check points to direct blood flow to your heart. In case the valves in your veins are weak or damaged, blood can go back down and accumulate in your legs. The resultant increase in venous pressure leads to the manifestation of uncomfortable symptoms.
The condition is known to affect the veins of the legs, and rarely other parts of the body. It is sometimes referred to as “chronic venous stasis” or “chronic venous disease.”
Why Does CVI Happen
There are various factors that may lead to the malfunction of your veins:
Damage to vein valves: Past blood clots or injuries have caused damage to the valves of your veins.
Aging: Veins and their valves weaken down with age.
Standing or sitting for long periods: This can increase pressure in leg veins.
Obesity, pregnancy, and genetics: These increase the chances of developing CVI.
Other risk factors: Smoking, lack of movement or exercise, and a family history of vein problems.
Common Symptoms to Watch Out For
The initial signs of chronic venous insufficiency may be minor, but if not treated, they may lead to more severe complications. Common symptoms include:
Swelling in the legs or ankles
Aching, tired, or heavy feeling in your legs
Itching or tingling in the lower legs
Pain that worsens when you stand, but improves when you raise your legs
Varicose veins: Large, twisted blue or purple veins near the surface of the skin
Skin changes:
Red, brown, or discolored skin near the ankles
Thickened or hardened skin (looks like leather)
Cracked, flaky, or irritated skin
Leg ulcers: Sores near the ankles that are slow to heal
Muscle cramps or spasms
Restless legs, especially at night
Symptoms could be mild at the onset, but they tend to get worse over time. Ulcers or open sores are particularly difficult to heal, and therefore require medical care.
Types and Stages of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Doctors often divide CVI into categories or stages for the purpose of planning treatment. The CEAP classification is one of the commonly used methods to classify vein problems, and is an acronym for Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological.
Treatment: What Can You Do
The condition of chronic venous insufficiency is chronic, and non reversible, but it can be managed to control the symptoms. Here’s what your doctor may recommend:
Lifestyle Changes
Exercise: Walking or regular leg movements, help pump blood back to your heart.
Elevate your legs: Elevate your legs when you sit or lie down to minimise the swelling.
Maintain a healthy weight: This reduces pressure on your leg veins.
Avoid standing or sitting for too long: Moving around often helps your veins work better.Your skin needs proper care, through maintaining clean and moisturised legs to avoid ulcers and irritation.
Compression Therapy
Special compression stockings serve as the most beneficial treatment option. Special stockings apply gentle pressure to your legs, which helps blood movement upward and decreases swelling. Your doctor will determine which type of compression stockings, along with their specific strength, suit you best.
Medications
Doctors prescribe the following medications to patients:
Antibiotics: Antibiotics serve to treat infections when patients develop ulcers on their legs.
Blood thinners: Blood thinners act as prevention for blood clots.
Medicated wraps: Dressings that reduce swelling and sores.
Medical Procedures and Surgery
The next step after compression stockings and lifestyle changes, includes medical procedures for treatment.
Sclerotherapy involves delivering a solution to the targeted vein through injection which leads to its closure.
Endovenous ablation: Using lasers or radio waves to seal off faulty veins.
Vein surgery: Removing or repairing badly damaged veins. Surgery serves as the final option for treatment, and doctors perform it on very few patients.
Living with Chronic Venous Insufficiency
The condition of CVI remains non-life-threatening, yet symptoms worsen when left untreated. Your ability to live comfortably with less chances of complications like painful ulcers and skin infections, is possible through early diagnosis and treatment.
Sources
SIGVARIS: CEAP Classification
Stanford Vascular Surgery: Venous Disease Guidelines
The Whiteley Clinic: CEAP Score Explanation
StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf): CEAP and Venous Insufficiency
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
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