Locating the Dorsalis Pedis Pulse: A Step-by-Step Guide

Various pulse points exist on the human body -- such as on the temple, wrist or foot. Physicians check the different pulse points according to the purpose of their examination, such as palpating a foot pulse to determine vascular health. A foot pulse, also known as the dorsalis pedis pulse, may not be in the exact location on every person. Yet, once you know the general location, you should be able to find it.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask the person to lie down on his back or sit in a chair with a footrest so that his heels are resting on the bed or footrest and the toes are pointing upward.

• 2

  Place two fingers at crease of the ankle, directly above the area between the big toe and the second toe.

• 3

  Slide your fingers downward, approximately halfway down the top of the foot. Rest your fingers on the bony area located between the first two toes of the foot to locate the pulse.