Is Trump’s Leg Swelling Cause for Concern or Just Common Condition?

News Desk

Islamabad: On Thursday, The White House announced that President Donald Trump is experiencing swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand, following the circulation of photos showing his ankles appearing swollen and makeup seemingly applied to his hand.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, reading a letter from Trump’s physician during a press briefing, said both conditions are benign. The swelling in Trump’s legs is due to a common vein issue, and the bruising on his hand is attributed to frequent handshaking, she explained.

The statement aimed to dispel a wave of online speculation about the 79-year-old president’s health prompted by the images.

Following the briefing, the White House released a letter from U.S. Navy physician Sean Barbabella, who confirmed Trump underwent a series of medical evaluations related to the symptoms.

Barbabella reported that an ultrasound of Trump’s legs showed chronic venous insufficiency—a non-serious and common condition, particularly in people over 70. He clarified that there was no indication of deep vein thrombosis, arterial disease, heart failure, kidney issues, or any systemic illness.

Leavitt added that Trump was not in any discomfort from the condition.

Regarding the bruising, Barbabella said it appeared to be minor soft tissue irritation likely caused by frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which Trump takes as part of a preventive cardiovascular regimen.

“President Trump remains in excellent health,” Barbabella concluded.

Dr. Kwame Amankwah, chief of vascular surgery at the University of Connecticut, explained that chronic venous insufficiency is typically a condition in which veins in the lower legs struggle to return blood to the heart. He said it’s usually managed with compression stockings and leg elevation, and warned that if left untreated, it could lead to swelling and ulcers requiring more intensive care.

Dr. Todd Berland, director of outpatient vascular interventions at NYU Langone Health, added that while the condition doesn’t affect life expectancy, it can impact quality of life.

Trump previously underwent a comprehensive physical on April 11 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, which showed a normal heart rhythm and no major health concerns.