Thedorsalis pedisartery supplies oxygenated blood to the dorsal (upper) side of the foot.

A healthcare practitioner may check a person’s dorsalis pedis artery pulse as part of a physical exam.

As the anterior tibial artery passes over the ankle joint, it becomes the dorsalis pedis artery.

It runs over thetarsal bonesand then down toward the plantar (sole) of the foot.

On the plantar side, it branches into the deep plantar artery.

It’s not uncommon for people to have differences in the anatomy of the dorsalis pedis artery.

One study found nine variations, including the absence of the artery.

Blood flow is necessary for the feet to maintain proper health and mobility.

These include pain, ulceration, poor wound healing, or even loss of a limb.

)However, due to variations in this artery’s anatomy, this isn’t always the case.

Are You at Risk for PAD?

PAD affects more than 200 million adults worldwide.

This differs from a dorsalis pedis arteryaneurysm, which is when the walls of the artery weaken and balloon.

Dorsalis pedis artery pseudoaneurysms and aneurysms are extremely rare.

Both conditions are treated with surgery.

A person’s dorsalis pedis artery pulse may be checked as part of a physical exam.

Symptoms of PAD include foot pain, weakness, and sores.

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