Impact of Gastrocnemius Tightness on Increased Risk of Plantar Fasciitis Among Hairdressers

Abstract

Background: Plantar heel pain and plantar fasciitis are common causes of functional limitation, particularly in occupations requiring prolonged standing. Isolated gastrocnemius tightness may increase plantar fascia strain through restricted ankle dorsiflexion, but occupation-specific evidence in hairdressers is limited. Objective: To determine the association between isolated gastrocnemius tightness, pain intensity, and foot health status among hairdressers exposed to prolonged standing. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 155 male and female hairdressers in Lahore using purposive sampling. Isolated gastrocnemius tightness was assessed using the Silfverskiöld test, pain intensity using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and foot health status using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire. Associations were evaluated using Pearson’s chi-square test and linear-by-linear association in SPSS version 23, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant associations were observed between gastrocnemius tightness and foot health status (Pearson χ² = 120.564, p = 0.002; linear-by-linear χ² = 18.562, p < 0.001), gastrocnemius tightness and pain intensity (Pearson χ² = 9.563, p = 0.008; linear-by-linear χ² = 7.730, p = 0.005), and pain intensity and foot health status (Pearson χ² = 201.532, p = 0.004; linear-by-linear χ² = 7.845, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Isolated gastrocnemius tightness is significantly associated with higher pain intensity and poorer foot health status among hairdressers, supporting early screening and preventive interventions targeting calf muscle flexibility in prolonged-standing workers.