Not Just an “Old People” Problem.
Tired, swollen legs are something many families quietly notice, but often dismiss. One might think it is just part of aging, or a side effect of a busy lifestyle. However, it could be Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), a condition where the veins in your legs are not effectively circulating blood back to your heart. PMC does a deep dive to explain its symptoms and alert the public to the seriousness of this ailment.
Swelling in the ankles or lower legs (including the feet) could be a sign of Chronic Venous Insufficiency.
CVI CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE
The condition, although not life-threatening, can cause long-term discomfort, skin damage, and even ulcers, if left untreated. Here’s the thing: it’s not just something that happens to the elderly. CVI can affect anyone, especially those with certain lifestyle habits that don’t rank high on the ‘healthy’ scale. Even high-profile leaders aren’t spared from such vein-related issues. CVI recently made international news when the President of the United States, Donald Trump, was reported to be suffering from a more advanced stage of his initial onset of it; this could be an indicator the illness is now progressing.
Swollen Ankles, Bruised Hands
In July 2025, news broke that Trump was diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency after public concern over his swollen ankles and hand bruising. Doctors confirmed it was due to poor blood flow in the legs, a condition common with age, but very manageable. While many feared something more serious, tests ruled out heart disease and blood clots. The American leader remains active and in good health, showing that with proper care and early detection, CVI doesn’t have to slow one down.
Some Causes and Risk Factors
In Malaysia, our lifestyle makes us especially vulnerable. Let’s break down some common risk factors:
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- Obesity – Linked to inflammation, excess weight adds vein pressure, so it is harder for blood to move upwards.
- Pregnancy – Hormonal changes and increased blood volume strain veins. Multiple pregnancies increase the risk.
- Past Blood Clots (DVT) – A history of deep vein thrombosis could damage the valves in your veins, leading to CVI (long-term).
- Lack of Physical Activity – When we don’t move enough, blood flow slows. Veins lose their strength and start to malfunction.
- Family History or Genetics – Beyond lifestyle, genes play a role. If your relatives have varicose veins or leg swelling, you might too.
- Long Hours Standing or Sitting – Jobs like teaching or driving force the legs to stay still for hours. This weakens the leg veins over time.
DID YOU KNOW: Up to 40 percent of women and 17% of men worldwide have symptoms of CVI?
Prevalence and Local Impact
In Malaysia, it’s likely underdiagnosed because:
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- We tend to ignore “tired legs” as normal
- Some feel embarrassed or assume nothing can be done
- Many people think visible veins or ankle swelling is just cosmetic
At-risk groups include pregnant women, factory workers, people who sit all day at office jobs, and the elderly. Increasingly, however, even younger adults are showing signs too.
PMC: Diagnosis and Services
Watch for these common symptoms:
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- Heavy or Aching Legs – Your legs may feel tired even without exercise. The discomfort worsens with long standing or sitting.
- Varicose Veins or Visible Bluish Veins – These are not just cosmetic; they often signal deeper vein issues.
- Wounds or Ulcers That Heal Slowly – Especially around the ankles, this is a late-stage symptom and needs urgent attention.
- Dry, Itchy, or Discoloured Skin Around The Ankles – Poor circulation can damage skin tissues, making you more prone to infections.
- Swelling In Your Lower Legs or Ankles, Especially By Evening – It often goes away overnight, which is why people ignore it, but it’s a key early sign of CVI.
At Putra Medical Centre, we rely on Doppler ultrasound (venous duplex scan) to detect CVI. It is very safe, quick, and non-invasive. An experienced general surgeon advises: “Many patients only come in when their legs have ulcers, but CVI can be treated early with proven results, often without surgery.”
Treatment Options At PMCK
All treatments are performed with care, using the latest tools at Putra Medical Centre’s vascular and surgical unit. Treatment depends on how early the condition is caught. However, you have options:
Sclerotherapy involves a simple injection which closes faulty veins. It is fast, safe, and leaves no scars.
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- Sclerotherapy – A simple injection that closes faulty veins. It is fast, safe, and leaves no scars.
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- Surgical Options – For severe cases, our skilled team can repair problem veins with safe, advanced techniques.
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- Lifestyle Modification – Changes like walking more, raising your legs when resting, or losing weight can make a big difference.
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- Compression Stockings – These help your veins push blood upward more efficiently. They’re comfortable and discreet enough.
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- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or Laser Therapy – Minimally invasive procedures to seal damaged veins via heat or laser, done under local anaesthesia.
EMOTIONAL AND LIFESTYLE IMPACT
Chronic venous insufficiency can silently chip away at your quality of life with any one of the following:
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- Leg ulcers and skin darkening can affect self-esteem
- Some people feel embarrassed wearing shorts or skirts
- You may avoid walking or going out due to pain or swelling
At PMC, we treat you as a whole person, not just your condition. We don’t only provide physical healing but emotional and lifestyle support. If you or a loved one has swelling, visible veins, or heavy legs, get it checked out. Catch it early. Enjoy walking freely again. Do visit us for a screening or consultation today.
