History

Is pain felt in one limb or both? What is the principal site of the pain? Is there associated weakness, sensory impairment, spinal pain or sphincter disturbance?

What is the time course of symptoms?

Has there been preceding trauma or fall?

Is there known arterial disease, diabetes or other systemic disease?

Are there risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (Table 56.1)?

Has the patient had previous joint, bone or other limb surgery?

Examination

Physiological observations and general examination

Systematic examination of the structures of the limb for signs of disease (Box 30.1)