Leg Pain Scenario

You start examining the left leg and get a more in-depth history. What does SOCRATES stand for?

Your patient’s pain is located generally around the left calf and foot, it has gradually gotten worse over 10 days. It is non-traumatic, it feels like an ache but has gotten significantly more severe recently, no radiation, she has a frequent tingling and numbness feeling to her left leg, exercise seems to make it worse, typically when she rests it goes away but now it is constant, and at its peak it hits about 7/10 NPS. 

What does this presentation more than likely describe? 

You are concerned this pain sounds like intermittent claudication. What condition is primarily associated with intermittent claudication? 

You progress on to do a physical examination of her legs. What physical signs and symptoms are typically associated with a peripheral arterial disease diagnosis? TICK ALL THAT APPLY

After examining the patient’s legs, she is displaying a lot of the symptoms described for peripheral artery disease. You can find a femoral pulse but are unable to find a pedal. With the current information you have, what would be your likely management plan for this patient? TICK ALL THAT APPLY

When assessing a limb for peripheral artery disease, what critical features are associated with acute ischaemia?

What pathophysiology is most commonly the cause of peripheral artery disease? 

What risk factors are commonly associated with peripheral artery disease? TICK ALL THAT APPLY

Forty to Sixty percent of patients who have been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease will have some other coexisting vascular disease such as Cerebral artery disease or coronary artery disease?

For the most severely acute ischemic limbs, what is the recommended treatment window to prevent permanent damage or amputation?

What is the approximate prevalence of peripheral artery disease in people aged 65 years and over?

What two tests can be conducted in a pre-hospital/primary care environment to help with the diagnosis of peripheral artery disease? 

The effects of peripheral artery disease are limited to only the lower limbs?

Approximately how many patients with peripheral artery disease are asymptomatic?

Early recognition and treatment of peripheral artery disease can significantly reduce the risk of adverse events?