WHITE House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has revealed the truth behind Donald Trump’s bruised hand and swelling ankles.
The 79-year-old president sparked some concern when he was spotted with concealer on his hands covering up discolored skin on Wednesday.
SplashThe White House has given an update on Donald Trump’s health[/caption]
Trump sparked some concern when makeup appeared to be covering his discolored hand on WednesdayAFP or licensors
GettyHis ankles also appeared to be swollen when he attended the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match on Sunday[/caption]
APWhite House press secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed the truth behind the symptoms in a press briefing Thursday[/caption]
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Leavitt downplayed the bruises, saying they were the result of a chronic and harmless vein condition.
She said the Commander in Chief has “chronic venous insufficiency,” which can cause swelling and discoloration in the ankles and hands.
The blood circulation issue is primarily seen in people over 70, and more than 200,000 cases are reported each year, according to Mayo Clinic.
It was caught after Trump noticed “mild swelling” and underwent ultrasounds and a “comprehensive exam,” Leavitt said.
The press secretary called the bruising “minor soft issue irritation” and said it was exacerbated by “frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin.”
She acknowledged that pictures taken of the president’s concealer-covered hand in recent days captured the symptoms.
The president had asked the White House to read out the letter from his physician “in the effort of transparency,” Leavitt said.
People suffering from severe cases of chronic venous insufficiency over time can develop serious issues like ulcers and blood clots, but Trump’s physician said his case is mild.
“Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” Leavitt said.
“An echocardiogram was also performed and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function, no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness were identified additionally.”
Most people diagnosed with the condition are advised to lose weight, walk for exercise, and elevate their legs periodically, the Associated Press reported.
Trump’s discolored hand was first noticed in February during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The apparent bruising cropped up after they exchanged three long and firm shakes during the friendly meeting.
The White House blamed handshakes for the issue at the time, but didn’t share his circulation diagnosis.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
The White House has revealed that President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
It’s a common condition diagnosed after Trump experienced swelling in his lower legs and minor bruising on his hand.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the condition is “benign and common, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a medical condition that occurs when the veins in your legs have difficulty sending blood back up to the heart.
Normally, your leg muscles act as a pump, squeezing the veins to push blood upwards.
Within these veins are tiny, one-way valves that open to allow blood to flow towards the heart and then close to prevent it from flowing backward due to gravity.
In CVI, these valves become weakened or damaged, or the vein walls themselves are stretched and weakened.
This allows blood to leak backward and pool in the veins, particularly in the lower legs and ankles. This pooling of blood leads to increased pressure in the veins, which can cause a range of symptoms.
Symptoms include:
Swelling (edema) in the legs and ankles, often worsening throughout the day and improving with elevation.
Aching, throbbing, cramping, or a heavy feeling in the legs.
Itching or tingling sensation in the legs.
Varicose veins: visibly swollen and twisted veins, often blue or purple.
Skin changes: as CVI progresses, the increased pressure can lead to changes in the skin around the ankles and lower legs.
Leg ulcers: in advanced stages, chronic open sores (venous stasis ulcers) can develop, typically near the ankles, which are difficult to heal.
TRUMP’S HEALTH
The health update comes after the president passed his annual physical exam with flying colors in April.
At the time, White House physician Sean Barbabella said, “President Trump exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State.”
Trump, who is an avid golfer, was praised for his active lifestyle in the report.
According to the exam, the president has dropped 20 pounds since his last physical in 2020, and his cholesterol is now sitting at a cool 140.
He’s had cataract surgery and has minor sun damage from hitting the greens at his estate in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, the report revealed.
Trump famously loves fast food and has been pictured eating his favorite, McDonald’s, while sitting on Air Force One with other political leaders.
He is known to enjoy steaks and Oreos, and his most beloved drink is Diet Coke.
But according to Fox News’ Sean Hannity, the president has found a way to enjoy his favorite offerings while maintaining his weight.
“If [Trump] has a burger now, he usually doesn’t have it with a bun,” the host previously said.
Trump’s hand had a dark spot during a White House meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in FebruaryGetty Images – Getty
GettyA dark mark was visible the day that Trump exchanged three firm handshakes with Macron[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
