Which of the following conditions is suggested by unilateral leg swelling and tenderness?

Unilateral leg swelling and tenderness are classic signs that point toward deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs. The obstruction of blood flow can lead to swelling due to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, and the tenderness arises from inflammation and pressure in the affected area.

In the context of DVT, the swelling is typically localized to one leg rather than affecting both, which distinguishes it from other conditions. The presence of additional risk factors like immobility, recent surgery, or a history of clotting disorders can further support the diagnosis of DVT.

In contrast, conditions such as peripheral artery disease, varicose veins, and chronic venous insufficiency can also cause leg swelling, but these conditions usually involve different patterns of swelling or additional symptoms. For example, peripheral artery disease typically leads to changes in skin color and temperature and may present with claudication rather than tenderness. Varicose veins usually involve a more extensive pattern of superficial vein involvement and do not typically cause acute tenderness. Chronic venous insufficiency tends to present with a more chronic swelling characteristic and does not usually manifest with sudden, unilateral tenderness like DVT does.

Thus, the clinical