I recently did an interview with KXAN (the NBC affiliate in Austin, Texas) about President Trump’s chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) diagnosis. This high-profile case shines a light on a condition that affects millions of Americans yet remains largely misunderstood and undertreated.
At Medical Vein Clinic, we consistently see a lack of awareness of chronic venous insufficiency, a progressive condition that can lead to serious complications, including blood clots, lymphedema, and even tissue death if left untreated.
In layman’s terms, chronic venous insufficiency is poor circulation of blood from the legs back to the heart. When the one-way valves in your leg veins fail, blood pools in your lower extremities instead of returning efficiently to your heart. This pooled blood starves tissues of needed oxygen and causes progressive swelling, skin changes, and eventually ulcers.
Pictures posted by the media showed President Trump’s swollen ankles. As I described in my interview, patients feel like they’re “walking around carrying jugs of water” in their legs; a vivid but accurate description of how debilitating this condition becomes and how it affects your quality of life.
What makes this condition particularly dangerous is the dramatically increased risk of blood clots. When blood pools in damaged veins, it can form clots that may travel to the lungs, causing potentially fatal pulmonary embolisms. This is why I emphasized during my interview that “anybody with CVI needs to see a specialist” – it’s not just about comfort or cosmetics;it’s about preventing life-threatening complications.
An estimated 40% of the US population has venous insufficiency, and those numbers are even higher in our San Antonio community due to aging demographics, lifestyle factors, large Hispanic population (which is genetically at greater risk), and occupational hazards like prolonged sitting or standing. It is also prevalent in women as pregnancies can stretch out the veins. Men, unfortunately, often ignore early symptoms.
Chronic venous insufficiency is a progressive disease that, detected early, can be treated effectively at Medical Vein Clinic. The key warning signs include:
- Chronic swelling in legs and ankles that worsens throughout the day
- Heavy, aching, or tired feeling in your legs
- Skin discoloration or thickening, particularly around the ankles
- Restless legs or cramping, especially at night
- Visible varicose or spider veins
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of venous insufficiency, it’s important you get evaluated. We counsel patients on things they can do to prevent the progression of venous disease, including proper compression therapy, elevation techniques, and lifestyle modifications that improve circulation. Our board-certified vein specialists offer minimally invasive treatments to correct venous insufficiency and prevent blood clots.
Our patients walk in and walk out, and these treatments are covered by insurance. After your session, we’ll cheer you on to get you up and moving around! Taking short walks right after your procedure is the way to go. It helps boost blood flow and keeps those pesky blood clots at bay.
Our comprehensive approach includes advanced diagnostic duplex ultrasound to map your venous system and identify areas of valve failure or reflux. We then create personalized treatment plans that may include endovenous Varithena™ foam, radiofrequency ablation, or sclerotherapy. All of these treatments are performed on-site in our comfortable office setting with minimal downtime.
We also offer treatments and tools to reduce the retention of lymphatic fluid in the legs, addressing the chronic swelling that makes patients feel like they’re carrying extra weight.
The goal isn’t just about symptom relief it’s prevention of serious complications like blood clots, chronic wounds, and the disability that comes with advanced venous disease. President Trump’s diagnosis serves as an important reminder that venous health affects people from all walks of life, and early intervention can prevent progression to more serious stages.
Don’t wait until you’re experiencing severe symptoms or complications. Chronic venous insufficiency is most treatable in its early stages, before permanent damage occurs to your veins and surrounding tissues.
To schedule your leg screening and evaluation, call Medical Vein Clinic at 210-622-8000.
Yours in health,
John S. Hogg MD, DABR, DABVLM, RPVI, RPhS, RVT, RVS
info@medicalveinclinic.com
210-622-8000
Here’s to your legs feeling and looking better, and to your health!
Healthy Legs Take You Further™