Prevalence and Effects of Plantar Fasciitis on Functional Activities among Doctors and Nurses in Sialkot, a Cross- Sectional Survey.

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a debilitating condition that affects a significant number of adults worldwide, characterized by heel pain and functional limitations. Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and doctors, are at a heightened risk due to their prolonged standing and weight-bearing activities. Despite this, there remains a paucity of research focusing on this demographic, especially within the context of developing countries like Pakistan. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and impact of plantar fasciitis on the functional activities of doctors and nurses in Sialkot, Pakistan, thereby contributing to the existing literature and providing insights for occupational health interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two major hospitals of Sialkot from October 2023 to January 2024. The study recruited 165 participants through non-probability convenient sampling. Inclusion criteria were professionals aged 25-50 with positive windlass tests and experiencing morning pain for over a month, while those with heel fractures, surgeries, infections, or foot deformities were excluded. The Foot Function Index questionnaire was employed to measure pain, disability, and activity limitation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing a one-sample t-test to compare group means. Results: The mean scores for pain, disability, and activity limitation were 53.48±12.24, 52.88±10.43, and 9.15±3.36, respectively. The one-sample t-test revealed significant differences from the test value of 50 for pain (t=3.663, p<0.001) and disability (t=3.548, p=0.001), with activity limitation significantly below the test value (t=-155.848, p<0.001). Conclusion: The study confirmed a high prevalence of plantar fasciitis among healthcare professionals, with notable implications for their daily functionality and occupational health. The condition was more prevalent among nurses compared to doctors, and significantly affected their ability to perform daily tasks, leading to increased disability and activity limitations.