24.
A patient has right leg pain and displays redness and swelling throughout the foot and ankle distal to the knee that has developed over the last 3 days. The patient reports no trauma and complains of a deep ache in the calf musculature. What is the MOST appropriate initial treatment?
- Refer to physician to rule out deep vein thrombosis.
- Elevate the lower extremity and apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes.
- Instruct the patient on range of motion exercises and begin a home exercise program.
- Perform manual soft tissue mobilization to decrease the swelling.
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