Which of the following is NOT a common sign of advanced arterial insufficiency of the lower extremity?

Swelling in the ankle is not a common sign of advanced arterial insufficiency of the lower extremity. In cases of arterial insufficiency, blood flow is compromised due to narrowed or blocked arteries, which primarily leads to symptoms associated with reduced blood supply. Common signs of this condition include thickened toenails, loss of hair growth over the dorsum of the foot and toes, and dependent rubor—all indicative of chronic, reduced arterial circulation.

Thickened toenails occur as a result of poor blood flow, which affects the health and growth of nail tissue. Loss of hair on the foot and toes is another consequence of insufficient blood supply, as hair follicles require a consistent delivery of nutrients and oxygen that may not occur in those with arterial issues. Dependent rubor describes a condition where the skin of the foot appears red when the leg is hanging down, signaling impaired perfusion when the blood is not effectively returning to the heart due to arterial blockage.

Swelling in the ankle, on the other hand, is more typically associated with venous insufficiency rather than arterial insufficiency, as the accumulation of fluid occurs when veins are unable to adequately return blood to the heart. This distinction is key in understanding the differences between arterial and venous disorders of