When the news hit a few days ago that President Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), it put a spotlight on a surprisingly common, but potentially serious, condition that affects leg health and circulation. CVI may sound unfamiliar, but its symptoms likely aren’t: swelling, leg pain, varicose veins, skin changes, and slow healing wounds are just some of the signs.
In this article, we’ll break down what CVI is, why it matters, and how it’s diagnosed and treated. Most importantly, we’ll help you understand what to do if you’re experiencing symptoms or wondering if you’re at risk.
At Beyond Podiatry, we’re uniquely positioned to help. Our team includes both podiatrists and vein specialists, working together to identify circulation issues and create personalized treatment plans. Whether you’ve noticed changes in your legs or want to understand what a CVI diagnosis means for you or a loved one, we’re here to help guide the conversation and the care.
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
CVI develops when the valves in your leg veins weaken or fail, allowing blood to pool instead of being pumped upward toward the heart. This leads to increased pressure in the veins, which over time causes swelling, skin changes, aching, and even ulcers.
Symptoms are often subtle at first. Many people adapt and find themselves normalizing them, unaware that the condition can steadily worsen without intervention.
Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
Keep an eye out for:
- Evening leg or ankle swelling
- Calf heaviness or fatigue
- Twisted, bulging varicose veins
- Skin discoloration, dryness, or thickening
- Slow healing sores or ulcers
These may seem minor individually, but combined they often signal a treatable circulatory issue. The only way to confirm is through a clinical evaluation. If you’re experiencing some of these symptoms, please don’t wait to be seen! Our team is ready to answer your questions and put your mind at ease.
Why CVI is more serious than it sounds
Though often described as “benign,” untreated CVI can cause:
- Painful venous ulcers and infections
- Permanent skin changes
- Reduced mobility due to swelling or discomfort
- Possible increased clot risk, especially in severe cases
It’s particularly concerning for older individuals, people with diabetes, or those with jobs that are sedentary or require prolonged standing.
Diagnosis starts with a conversation
Both our podiatry and vein specialists are trained to recognize CVI whether you come in for foot pain, leg swelling or a combination of both. We emphasize teamwork in diagnosing and treating.
Our team might recommend an ultrasound, which is safe, painless, and done in the office. It helps visualize valve function and assess circulation, guiding the next steps.
Treatment options that make a real difference
If you’re experiencing leg discomfort, swelling, or varicose veins, don’t wait! Our team is here to help. We work together to create personalized care plans that support your overall leg and foot health.
We offer treatment options that are minimally invasive and highly effective:
- Ablation procedures: Laser or radiofrequency treatments gently close off diseased veins to redirect blood flow
- Sclerotherapy: A targeted injection collapses smaller varicose veins to improve appearance and function
- Varithena®: A prescription foam injected into malfunctioning veins, especially effective for varicose veins related to CVI
Podiatry support for CVI
While vein treatments address circulation directly, our podiatrists help manage the downstream effects of CVI, especially when symptoms affect the lower legs, feet, and skin.
- Wound care: Treating venous ulcers and preventing infection using advanced wound management techniques
- Skin and nail health: Addressing dry, thickened skin and preventing fungal or bacterial infections
- Pressure relief: Providing orthotics and recommending footwear to reduce strain and support healing
- Mobility support: Evaluating gait and providing interventions to ease pain and prevent falls
Not sure where to begin?
President Trump’s diagnosis may have triggered curiosity and concern, and that’s good! It highlights how many adults live with leg symptoms they dismiss as “just aging,” when, in fact, they may signal CVI or another serious condition.
Beyond Podiatry makes it easy to get started. You don’t need to decide between a podiatrist or vein specialist. Our team works together to assess your needs and guide you in the right direction! With clinics throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, expert care is always within your reach.
