ABSTRACT
IS THE PATIENT’S LIFE (OR LIMB) AT RISK? ■ Lower extremity pain can be a manifestation of a local or
systemic process. ■ The following conditions must be recognized and treated
expeditiously: ▲ Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) ▲ Phlegmasia alba dolens ▲ Phlegmasia cerulea dolens ▲ Acute arterial insufficiency ▲ Compartment syndrome ▲ Vasculitis ▲ Infections
■ Most other causes of lower extremity pain are nonemergent and can be diagnosed and treated in due time.
