What’s With Putin’s Hand? Viral Video of Russian President's Swollen Fist Sparks Health Rumours

A viral picture of Vladimir Putin has reignited speculations about his health, as many social media users pointed out his swollen and sore hand, Newsweek reported. A video reportedly captured last week showed

the 73-year-old President’s right hand wrinkled and with bulging veins. While Putin looked uncomfortable, he was seen clenching his hands into fists when he met with 22-year-old Yekaterina Leshchinskaya, who heads the Russian Healthy Fatherland movement, according to Express UK. Anton Gerashchenko, ex-adviser to the Ukrainian interior ministry, shared the video on X. “What's with Putin's hands in this video?” he asked in the caption.

What's with Putin's hands in this video? https://t.co/hF5yqgEFei pic.twitter.com/xl5Wopj2ID

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) November 9, 2025

Is Putin suffering from a neurological condition?

It is widely speculated that Putin may be suffering from a neurological or circulatory condition. Some users even compare his symptoms to Parkinson's disease.

What can cause bulging hand veins?

According to experts, bulging veins on the hands or arms are often a cosmetic rather than a medical issue. Treatment includes removing or closing the specific veins to reduce their appearance. Doctors say bulging veins on your hands can be more noticeable as you age. However, usually, bulging veins are functioning as they should and do not indicate any health concerns that require treatment. But there are a few symptoms, like pain or weakness, it is also possible that there may be an underlying health condition that is responsible. Multiple factors can contribute to bulging veins in your hands, a few of which include:

Low body fat

If your hands don’t have much body fat, veins may appear more prominent.

Age

As you age, your skin gts thinner and loses elasticity, making your veins more visible. The valves in your veins also weaken with age.

Genetics

If you have immediate family members with bulging veins, you may have them too.

Hot weather

High temperatures can make it more difficult for your vein valves to work correctly. This can enlarge your veins temporarily.

Exercise

Frequent high-intensity exercise may potentially increase the appearance of your veins.

Varicose veins

According to doctors, varicose veins are found mostly in the legs rather than the hands when the vein valves weaken. It makes them less efficient in preventing blood from flowing backward. Varicose veins can become twisted, enlarged, and painful.

Phlebitis

A few times, a hand infection due to an autoimmune disease or insertion of an intravenous catheter can lead a vein to become inflamed or swollen, known as phlebitis. Doctors say that usually bulging hand veins do not indicate a serious medical condition for the majority of people. However, if you are concerned that your prominent hand veins could be a symptom of something serious, you need to see a doctor and get yourself tested. If you want them removed for cosmetic purposes, your doctor may be able to refer you to a specialist to treat them.