Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Pedal Artery Pulse Palpation

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Use the pads of two or three fingers to palpate the dorsalis pedis pulse on the dorsum of the foot just lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon, and the posterior tibial pulse just behind and below the medial malleolus. Compare the pulses side to side and assess their strength.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Peripheral Artery Disease

Absent or diminished pedal pulse (dorsalis pedis and/or posterior tibial)
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Strong

References

  • Khan NA, Rahim SA, Anand SS, Simel DL, Panju A. Does the clinical examination predict lower extremity peripheral arterial disease? JAMA. 2006;295(5):536-546. doi:10.1001/jama.295.5.536. PMID: 16449619.
  • McGee S. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.

Related Diagnoses

Peripheral Artery Disease

Related Systems / Regions

CardiovascularLower Extremities

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Ankle-brachial Index
aka Ankle-brachial pressure index; ankle-arm index
Rule in:SHPeripheral Artery Disease, NHMedial Arterial Calcification, IECritical Limb Ischemia +1 more
Rule out:SHPeripheral Artery Disease, NHMedial Arterial Calcification, IECritical Limb Ischemia +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Capillary Refill
aka Capillary refill time | CRT | Nail blanch test
Rule in:VHMortality, VHPostoperative Complication, HHypovolemia +8 more
Rule out:HMortality, SHPostoperative Complication, MHDehydration +8 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Lower Extremity Inspection and Palpation
Rule in:VHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, VHKnee Osteoarthritis, HAchilles Tendon Rupture +7 more
Rule out:SHAchilles Tendon Rupture, SHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, SHKnee Osteoarthritis +7 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Oxygen Saturation
aka Pulse oximetry
Rule in:SHPneumonia, MHCardiac Tamponade, MHHepatopulmonary Syndrome +9 more
Rule out:NHHepatopulmonary Syndrome, NHPneumonia, IEAsthma Exacerbation +8 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Femoral Artery Palpation
Rule in:VHAortic Coarctation, VHFemoral False Aneurysm, MHAortoiliac Occlusive Disease +1 more
Rule out:VHFemoral False Aneurysm, NHAortic Coarctation, ICAortoiliac Occlusive Disease +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Edema Assessment
Rule in:SHAscites, SHCirrhosis, SHHeart Failure +14 more
Rule out:HAscites, MHHeart Failure, NHCirrhosis +14 more