Homan's sign is most commonly associated with which condition?

• A. DVT
• B. Ankle sprain
• C. Plantar fasciitis
• D. Tendinopathy

Answer: (A)

Homan's sign is historically linked to deep venous thrombosis. It involves passively dorsiflexing the ankle with the knee extended and noting calf pain; this pain is thought to reflect irritation of the veins when a clot is present in the deep venous system of the leg. Because a DVT causes venous obstruction and inflammatory stretch in the calf veins, the test point of contact is the posterior compartments of the leg, making calf pain with ankle dorsiflexion the classic association.

In contrast, an ankle sprain is a ligament injury from trauma around the ankle and produces focal pain and laxity at the joints rather than a calf-specific, pain during dorsiflexion. Plantar fasciitis presents with heel pain, especially with initial steps after rest, not a dorsiflexion-induced calf pain. Tendinopathy involves tendon degeneration with tenderness along the tendon path and a different pattern of pain.

Although Homan's sign is not highly reliable today, its historical connection is with deep venous thrombosis, which is why this condition is the best answer.