Final answer:
Upon finding a limb to be painful, a thorough assessment and diagnostic tests are checked to identify the cause, followed by starting an appropriate physical therapy plan and pharmacological treatment as necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a limb is found to be painful upon examination, it is crucial to determine the cause of the pain and treat it accordingly. The next steps would include a detailed physical assessment, potential diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or MRI if a fracture or soft tissue damage is suspected, and labs to check for infection or inflammation if those are potential causes. Based on the diagnosis, an appropriate physical therapy plan might be initiated, involving interventions such as heat packs to enhance blood flow and healing, targeted exercises to be conducted at home, and the application of ice to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Throughout the treatment, the physical therapist would work closely with the patient to monitor progress and ensure that the limb's function is returning to normal. It may also be pertinent to administer medications if an infection or other condition requiring pharmacological intervention is identified.