The dorsalis pedis pulse is found lateral to a person's extensor hallucis longus tendon, usually near the middle of the top of the foot.

To interpret the findings of this examination it is necessary to know the normal occurrence of both the dorsalis pedis and the posterior tibial pulses.

Note that in a small number of patients, the dorsalis pedis pulse is absent. Once you have found a pulse, inflate the cuff slowly above systolic pressure until the pulse is no longer audible.

Palpation of the Dorsalis Pedis Pulse. Palpate the posterior tibial pulse behind the medial malleolus. This pulse is located halfway between the malleolus and the Achilles’ tendon (Figure 5).

In about 8% of healthy individuals, the dorsalis pedis pulse is absent, and in about 2%, the posterior tibial pulse is absent. The absence of both, though, is a strong indicator of vascular disease.

“When the probe was placed on the dorsalis pedis of either foot, music could be heard from the device speaker in addition to the pulse,” Dr Wise wrote.

A 57-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 2-day history of progressive severe pain and swelling from his left ankle extending to the scrotum. He was hypertensive, tachypneic and ...