Prevalence of Plantar Fasciitis in Salesgirls of Lahore, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Prolonged standing is a major occupational hazard for workers in retail environments, particularly salesgirls, who are predisposed to developing plantar fasciitis due to repetitive loading on the plantar fascia. Chronic heel pain in this population can lead to work limitation and impaired daily functioning. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of plantar fasciitis and its association with functional limitations among salesgirls engaged in prolonged standing in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 female salesgirls aged 20–45 years from three major shopping malls. Participants with 6–12 daily standing hours were assessed using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic and pain-related variables, and Pearson Chi-square tests examined associations between heel pain and functional limitations, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Overall, 91.3% of participants reported foot pain and 68% reported work limitations due to heel discomfort. Severe pain was observed in 26% of participants. Significant associations were found between foot pain and work limitation (χ²=100.39, p<0.001, Cramer’s V=0.58) and between heel ache and walking limitation (χ²=29.65, p<0.001, Cramer’s V=0.33.). Conclusion: Salesgirls exposed to prolonged standing demonstrate a high prevalence of plantar heel pain and functional impairment. Preventive ergonomic strategies, supportive footwear, and physiotherapy-led interventions are strongly recommended to reduce occupational plantar fasciitis risk.