A pulse is a rhythmic beat produced as a beating heart pumps waves of blood through blood vessels, causing them to expand. These pulsations can be palpated in certain areas of the body. Blood pumped through the posterior tibial artery produces the posterior tibial pulse. "Posterior" is a term used to refer to the back of the body or to a body part on or near the back side of the body. The tibia is the medical name for the larger of the two bones that make up the lower leg.

The posterior tibial pulse can be palpated by placing two fingers, usually the index and middle fingers, slightly above and toward the front of the rounded and bony part of the inside ankle joint. Palpating the posterior tibial pulse can be very difficult, particularly for people who are not healthcare providers. It is not as strong as the carotid or radial pulses. Although heart rate can be determined by taking the posterior tibial pulse, it is not palpated to discover heart rate or as a sign of life.

Healthcare providers consider the posterior tibial artery to be one of several arteries that are important to know, and because of this, the posterior tibial pulse plays an important role in assessing the circulatory status of the lower extremities. This is why it is palpated. For example, when an emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic attends to a patient who has injuries characteristic of a fractured lower leg, the EMT or medic will palpate the dorsalis pedis artery and the posterior tibial pulse to ensure that the extremity has circulation.

Medical injuries involving fractures of either of the two bones of the lower leg, depending on the degree of severity, can interrupt circulation to the extremity. If circulation has been cut off, the tissues will begin to die, which could lead to an amputation. The presence of a posterior tibial pulse at least tells the attending health care provider that there is some supply of oxygenated blood reaching the patient's lower leg. Such an assessment is vital to making proper splinting decisions and determining priority for transport to a medical facility.

While it is difficult to locate the posterior tibial pulse, there are a few tips that can be followed to make it easier. One of the most important things to remember is that the thumb has a pulse of its own. It should, therefore, never be used to palpate this or any other pulse in the body. Practicing on different people also is important, and friends and relatives can be of much help in this area.