US President Donald Trump confirmed reports of undergoing an MRI scan recently during his visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
"I got an MRI. It was perfect," Trump told reporters while flying to Tokyo. "Trump remains in exceptional health, exhibiting strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, and physical performance," Trump's physician Sean Barbabella said in a memo released after the visit. The doctor noted in the memo that the evaluation helped prepare for Trump's upcoming overseas trips and included advanced imaging, lab testing and preventive health assessments.
Back in July, the White House had disclosed that Trump was experiencing swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand. It was later confirmed that he was diagnosed with 'chronic venous insufficiency'
What is Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)?
When the veins in the legs are damaged, it causes a condition called chronic venous insufficiency. According to the Cleveland Clinic, normally, valves in your leg veins keep blood flowing back up to your heart. But CVI damages those valves, causing blood to pool in your legs. This increases pressure in your leg veins and causes symptoms like swelling and ulcers.
Chronic venous insufficiency usually affects people over age 50 and affects about 1 in 20 adults.
What are the signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency?
Cleveland Clinic lists the following symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.
Achy or tired legs.
Burning, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensation in your legs.
Cramping in your legs at night.
Discolored skin that looks reddish-brown.
Edema (swelling) in your lower legs and ankles, especially after standing a while or at the end of the day.
Flaking or itching skin on your legs or feet.
Full or heavy feeling in your legs.
Leathery-looking skin on your legs.
Ulcers (open sores) usually near your ankles. If they’re very painful, they may be infected.
Varicose veins.
According to experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Individuals who are overweight or pregnant are more likely to have this condition. Additionally, if you have a family history of the problem or damage to your leg due to injury, surgery, or previous blood clots, this can also be a reason to be affected by the condition.
Other causes of chronic venous insufficiency include:
High blood pressure in the leg veins over time, due to sitting or standing for long periods
Lack of exercise
Smoking
A blood clot in a deep vein, often in the calf or thigh (deep vein thrombosis)
Swelling and inflammation of a vein close to the skin, often in the legs (phlebitis)
For more information, consult a health expert.