Which condition may be indicated by swelling in the lower extremities?

Which condition may be indicated by swelling in the lower extremities?

• A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• B. Multiple sclerosis
• C. Tennis elbow
• D. Plantar fasciitis

Answer: (A)

Swelling in the lower extremities is commonly associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the legs, leading to an inflammatory response that causes swelling. Other symptoms may include pain, tenderness, and changes in skin color, but the hallmark sign is the noticeable swelling in the affected leg. In contrast, multiple sclerosis primarily affects the central nervous system and may lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, but lower extremity swelling is not a typical manifestation. Tennis elbow refers to an inflammation of the tendons that attach to the lateral elbow and is unrelated to swelling in the lower extremities, as it is localized to the arm. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, which can lead to heel pain but does not typically result in swelling of the lower legs. Thus, the indication of swelling specifically points to DVT as the correct condition associated with this symptom.

Swelling in the lower extremities is commonly associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the legs, leading to an inflammatory response that causes swelling. Other symptoms may include pain, tenderness, and changes in skin color, but the hallmark sign is the noticeable swelling in the affected leg.

In contrast, multiple sclerosis primarily affects the central nervous system and may lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, but lower extremity swelling is not a typical manifestation. Tennis elbow refers to an inflammation of the tendons that attach to the lateral elbow and is unrelated to swelling in the lower extremities, as it is localized to the arm. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, which can lead to heel pain but does not typically result in swelling of the lower legs. Thus, the indication of swelling specifically points to DVT as the correct condition associated with this symptom.