Impact Of Pain On Functional Limitation And Quality Of Life In Plantar Fasciitis -A Cross Sectional Prevalence Study

Abstract

Background: Heel pain interferes with everyday activities is often caused by plantar fasciitis. We evaluated the impact of symptoms on people's quality of life. Characterising the primary functional limitations and determining the frequency of moderate to severe PF symptoms in patients receiving treatment at particular institutions in Kollam district, Kerala.

Methods: It is across-sectional prevalence survey of 210 PF patients that was administered via a questionnaire. A standardised Plantar Fasciitis Pain and Symptoms questionnaire with 19 items and scores ranging from 0 to 3 was used to assess the intensity of symptoms. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise prevalence patterns, and total severity ratings were calculated. To examine the relationships between age, gender, and symptom severity, ANOVA and Post Hoc tests are used.

Results: Males 20.05%, while females 79.5% with age group of 46.6 ± 12 years. All participants complained of heel pain, with the majority of complaints (96.7%) originating from the heel's bottom. 86.2% of participants reported that their pain peaked when they woke up, and 75.7% reported that their pain occurred frequently during the day. Severe symptoms were present in 97% of individuals. Functional limitations included standing after sitting (91.9%), barefoot walking (75.7%), 44% reported having trouble sleeping, and 81.5% reported anxiousness on daily basis. Females experienced significantly more severe symptoms (p = 0.021).

Conclusion: Plantar fasciitis causes severe pain and major functional and psychological repercussions in adults, especially women. To reduce disability, early intervention is crucial.