Prevalence of Plantar Fasciitis Among Street Vendors of Bahawalpur

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a degenerative fasciopathy and a leading cause of heel pain; informal workers who stand for prolonged periods on hard surfaces may be at elevated risk. Objective: To estimate the point prevalence of PF among male street vendors in Bahawalpur, Pakistan; to characterize pain and functional impact; and to examine associations between body mass index (BMI) and disability. Methods: We conducted a three-month cross-sectional study using convenience sampling of male vendors aged 20–45 years. PF was ascertained with a weight-bearing Windlass test. Severity/impact were assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI) and the Plantar Fasciitis Pain and Disability Scale (PFPDS); pain intensity used a 0–10 VAS. BMI was categorized per WHO bands. Analyses included point prevalence with 95% Wilson confidence intervals (CIs), descriptive statistics, and Pearson χ² with Cramér’s V for BMI–disability associations (SPSS v27). Results: Of 350 participants (mean age 32.66±6.85 years; BMI 23.63±2.99 kg/m²), 47 screened positive, yielding a PF prevalence of 13.4% (95% CI 10.3–17.4). Whole-sample means were FFI 20.46 (95% CI 19.19–21.73) and PFPDS 13.01 (95% CI 11.48–14.54); most fell in the lowest disability bands (FFI 1–20: 69.7%; PFPDS 1–20: 88.0%). Pain was minimal for most when using footwear/orthotics. Higher BMI categories were associated with higher disability strata: FFI χ²(16)=30.03, p=0.018, Cramér’s V=0.146; PFPDS χ²(12)=37.57, p<0.001, V=0.189. Conclusion: Approximately one in seven male street vendors had PF, with generally low average disability but a measurable BMI–disability gradient. Low-cost ergonomic measures (supportive footwear/orthoses, load management, weight counseling) are warranted; prevalence may be underestimated given Windlass sensitivity.