Incidence of Plantar Fasciitis and Severity of Pain in Housemaid in Gujranwala

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of plantar heel pain and may cause functional limitation in individuals exposed to prolonged standing, repetitive loading, increased body weight, and unsupportive footwear. Housemaids represent an occupational group with substantial weight-bearing workload, yet local evidence on plantar fasciitis-related pain and disability remains limited. Objective: To determine the prevalence of plantar fasciitis-related pain severity and foot functional limitation among housemaids in Gujranwala. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 377 housemaids in Gujranwala from June 2024 to November 2024 using non-probability convenience sampling. Eligible participants were female housemaids aged 21–40 years with heel pain or discomfort consistent with plantar fasciitis. Participants with gout, fracture, previous surgery, tendon repair, arthroscopy, reconstruction, tendinitis, or leg length discrepancy were excluded. Data were collected using demographic information, BMI classification, clinical assessment, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and the Foot Function Index. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Results: Among 377 participants, 207 (54.9%) were overweight. Mild, moderate, and severe pain were reported by 102 (27.1%), 149 (39.5%), and 126 (33.4%) participants, respectively. Foot Function Index findings showed mild, moderate, and severe limitation in 105 (27.9%), 166 (44.0%), and 106 (28.1%) participants, respectively. Conclusion: Moderate-to-severe pain and functional limitation were common among housemaids with plantar fasciitis-related symptoms, supporting the need for occupational prevention, footwear modification, rest breaks, stretching, and early rehabilitation.