Prevalence of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and Its Association with Achillodynia Among Female Teachers
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Abstract
Background: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction and Achilles tendon-region pain are clinically relevant musculoskeletal problems that may affect teachers exposed to prolonged standing, repetitive classroom activity, and sustained postural loading. Although both conditions have been studied separately, limited evidence has examined their coexistence within female teaching populations, particularly in semi-urban Pakistani settings. Objective: To determine the prevalence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction and achillodynia and examine their association among female school teachers in Daska, Sialkot. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 130 female school teachers aged 25–40 years from public and private schools in Daska. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction was assessed using a cluster of five pain provocation tests, with at least three positive tests classified as dysfunction. Achillodynia was assessed using Achilles tendon-region symptoms and VISA-A scoring. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Frequencies and percentages were calculated, and associations were examined using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, with Cramer’s V used to estimate association strength. Results: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction was present in 108 participants (83.1%), while achillodynia was present in 102 participants (78.5%). Sacroiliac joint dysfunction was significantly associated with achillodynia, χ² = 7.269, p = 0.007, with Fisher’s exact test also supporting the association, p = 0.004. Cramer’s V was 0.236, indicating a small-to-moderate association. Prolonged standing for more than six hours daily was reported by 68.5% of teachers with sacroiliac joint dysfunction and 63.7% of those with achillodynia. Conclusion: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction and achillodynia were highly prevalent among female teachers and showed a statistically significant association. The findings support comprehensive kinetic-chain assessment and workplace ergonomic strategies for teachers with pelvic or Achilles tendon-region symptoms
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