If a patient presents with limb pain, swelling, and a positive Homans' sign, what condition are they likely facing?

A positive Homans' sign, which is identified by pain in the calf upon dorsiflexion of the foot, is often associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. This condition is characterized by limb pain, swelling, and sometimes warmth or redness in the affected area. The symptoms described are consistent with the typical presentations of DVT, making it a likely diagnosis in this scenario.

The other conditions mentioned, while they can also cause limb pain and swelling, typically do not present with a positive Homans' sign. For example, peripheral artery disease primarily leads to pain during exertion and may have other features such as skin changes, but it will not show a Homans' sign. Muscle strains usually present with localized pain and may not involve swelling. Arthritis is characterized by joint pain and stiffness rather than the calf pain and swelling associated with DVT.