Acutely Painful Limb

Question 1

Cold and Pale?

Answer 1

Treat as acute limb ischaemia until proven otherwise

Question 2

Hot and Swollen?

Answer 2

Treat as DVT until proven otherwise

Question 3

Trauma?

Answer 3

Should always be considered

Check for focal bony tenderness and inability to weight-bear, and have a low-threshold for radiological imaging.

Question 4

Neurological?

Answer 4

Should also always be considered

Radiculopathies will be typically associated with back pain that radiates to the affected area and is worse on movement, as well as potential muscle weakness, paraesthesia, and altered reflexes.

Classify as central, spinal or peripheral.