PREVALENCE OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS AMONG FEMALE TEACHERS IN TWIN CITIES (ISLAMABAD, RAWALPINDI): A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a chronic degenerative condition of the plantar fascia and a leading cause of heel pain worldwide. It results from repetitive stress, micro-tears, and poor biomechanical alignment, often aggravated by prolonged standing and inadequate arch support. Among occupational groups, teachers are particularly vulnerable due to extended standing hours and limited opportunities for rest. The disorder typically manifests as pain during initial steps after rest, referred to as post-static dyskinesia, and can severely impair daily functioning.

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of plantar fasciitis among female teachers in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and to assess its association with age, body mass index (BMI), and footwear type.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, enrolling 418 female teachers using a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data were collected through the validated Plantar Fasciitis Pain and Disability Scale (PFPS) questionnaire (validity = 0.85, ICC = 0.89). Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 21. The Shapiro–Wilk test confirmed data normality (p<0.001). Independent t-tests and Pearson’s correlation were applied to assess relationships between variables, with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Participants had a mean age of 2.84 ± 1.78 (coded scale) and a mean BMI of 1.31 ± 0.57 (coded categories). PFPS total score was 35.09 ± 16.47 (p=0.000), indicating significant pain and disability. A significant association was observed between plantar fasciitis and age (p=0.002), while BMI (p=0.63) and footwear type (p=0.26) showed no statistical relationship. The midsole region was identified as the most frequently affected site of pain.

Conclusion: Plantar fasciitis was highly prevalent among female teachers, primarily affecting the midsole area. Age emerged as a key risk factor, whereas BMI and footwear type had no significant influence. These findings emphasize the need for preventive ergonomic strategies, periodic screening, and awareness programs to improve musculoskeletal health among educators.