Dorsalis pedis pulse is located on top of the foot,
immediately lateral to the extensor of hallucis longus (dorsalis pedis artery).
The dorsalis pedis pulse is palpated in the groove between the first and second toes slightly medial on the dorsum of the foot (i.e., dorsolateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon and distal to the dorsal prominence of the navicular bone) with the middle and/or index fingers
Feel the pulse lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon and proximal to the first metatarsal space.
Comment on the following
- Rate, rhythm, character, volume.
- Character of the vessel wall.
- Palpability of all vessels.
Dorsalis pedis pulse is absent in condition of proximal vessel occlusion such as embolism to popliteal artery or in peripheral vascular disease.
