Trump’s diagnosis revealed after ‘swollen leg’ photos trigger alarm

Harrisburg: US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a chronic but non-serious health condition after swelling in his lower legs caused alarm during a recent appearance at a major sporting event.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had noted “mild swelling” and was evaluated by the White House medical unit, including diagnostic vascular studies and venous Doppler ultrasounds of his lower legs.

President Donald Trump’s swollen ankle seen in the Oval Office this week.Credit: AP

The 79-year-old’s scans revealed chronic venous insufficiency, Leavitt said, citing a note from the president’s doctor. She described it as a “benign and common condition”, particularly for people over 70.

The condition occurs when veins in the leg don’t allow blood to flow back up to the heart. The blood can flow backwards, causing it to pool in the legs.

Johns Hopkins Medicine says the condition can cause pain, swelling, cramps and skin changes, but is not a serious health threat. It is more likely among people who are overweight or pregnant, or who have a family history of the problem.

Leavitt said the tests showed no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. Lab testing included a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation profile and other measures, with all results within normal limits, she said.

“An echocardiogram was also performed and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function,” she said. “No signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness were identified.”

Other recent photos of Trump showed minor bruising on his hand. Leavitt said this was due to minor soft tissue irritation from frequent hand-shaking and the use of aspirin to aid cardiovascular health. Trump “remains in excellent health”, she said.

The photos of Trump’s legs that captured attention were taken while he was seated in a box at the FIFA Club World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday.

He rubbed shoulders with sporting and corporate heavyweights including News Corp chairman Lachlan Murdoch and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Bruising seen on Trump’s hand.Credit: AP

Leavitt said there had been media speculation about the photographs, and Trump wanted the medical update shared in the interests of transparency. He was not in any discomfort and has been typically active, she said.

The president’s health, while always the subject of interest, has taken on turbocharged significance since Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, left office aged 82 visibly older and with a slower gait. It was also asserted that Biden suffered cognitive decline, though Biden denied this. He was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Trump became the oldest president to take office in US history when he was sworn in for a second time in January, aged 78. He will be 82 by the time his term ends at the start of 2029.

Trump’s swollen lower legs (left) caused concern during a recent appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup game in New Jersey on Sunday.Credit: AP

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