Here’s what to know about chronic venous insufficiency
Swollen legs led to President Donald Trump being diagnosed with what s called chronic venous insufficiency It s a fairly common condition among older adults but requires a thorough checkup to rule out more serious causes of swelling in the legs Here are several things to know Related Articles AG Bondi Interior Secretary Burgum tour Alcatraz to advance Trump s plans to reopen former prison Emails show DeSantis administration blindsided county representatives with plans for Alligator Alcatraz In American life a growing and forbidding visual rises the law-enforcement officer in a mask Trump administration order requires interior secretary to sign off on all wind and solar projects House sends bill regulating stablecoins a type of cryptocurrency to Trump What is chronic venous insufficiency Chronic venous insufficiency or CVI happens when veins in the legs can t properly carry blood back to the heart That can lead to blood pooling in the lower legs In addition to swelling usually around the feet and ankles manifestations can include legs that are achy heavy feeling or tingly and varicose veins Severe cases could trigger leg sores known as ulcers What causes chronic venous insufficiency Overcoming gravity to pump blood from the feet all the way up to the heart is a challenge especially when someone is standing or sitting for long periods So legs veins are lined with one-way valves that keep blood from sliding backward on that journey Anything that damages those valves can lead to chronic venous insufficiency Pitfall factors can include blood clots vein inflammation known as phlebitis or being overweight How is chronic venous insufficiency diagnosed and treated Doctors must rule out serious causes of leg swelling such as heart problems kidney illness or blood clots Ultrasound exams of the leg veins can help confirm chronic venous insufficiency According to the Cleveland Clinic medication can include wearing compression stockings elevating the legs and achieving a healthy weight Also exercise especially walking is recommended because strong leg muscles can squeeze veins in a way that helps them pump blood Medications and therapeutic procedures are available for more advanced cases The Associated Press Strength and Science Department receives sponsorship from the Howard Hughes Clinical Institute s Department of Science Training and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation The AP is solely responsible for all content
