PREVALENCE OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS AND ITS RELATED LOWER EXTREMITY FUNCTIONAL STATUS AMONG MALE BAKERY WORKERS

Abstract

Introduction:

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the degenerative diseases of the lower limb, which involves the plantar aponeurosis - a strong band of connective tissue of collagen, supporting the plantar arch and anchoring at the proximal phalangeal bases, and originating at the medial calcaneal tuberosity. Employees in physically challenging workplaces often complain of heel pain, functional pain and mobility limitations that can be attributed to this condition.

Objective:

The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of plantar fasciitis in male bakery workers and the relationship between plantar fasciitis and physical activity and lower limb functional capacity.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional observational study design was used in a descriptive study of 377 male bakery workers who were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling. Only those that met the pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. The information was collected among the employees of a bakery who had to sustain the long standing positions during the work shift. Plantar fasciitis was measured using the Windlass test after obtaining written informed consent and lower limb functional capacity was measured using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 23 whereby, central tendency measures and dispersion indices of numerical data were calculated using descriptive statistics and frequency distribution was used on categorical variables.

Results:

The 377 men bakery workers sample was of average age 33.7 ± 10.999 years. In terms of job tenure, 156 workers (41.4%) had accumulated 1–3 years of experience, 144 (38.2%) had 4–6 years, 75 (19.9%) had 7–10 years, while only 2 (0.5%) had surpassed a decade. With regard to the duration of standing daily, 77 (20.4) participants stood 8-9 hours, 273 (72.4) stood 9-10 hours and 27 (7.2) stood more than 10 hours per working day. The results of windlass tests were positive in 149 (39.5) and negative in 227 (60.2) and this shows that plantar fasciitis is a significant burden among this occupational group. LEFS assessment showed a group of 198 participants (52.5%) with minimal or no functional restriction; 16 (4.2%) with moderate functional limitation; 162 (43.0%) with mild-to-moderate functional limitation; and 1 (0.3) with severe functional limitation.

 Conclusion:

Considering that quite a number of individuals had positive Windlass test results, the current study shows that plantar fasciitis was present among male bakery workers. A significant percentage of workers presented with mild-to-moderate lower extremity functional impairment, despite the majority having minimal functional limitation. Heel pain and functional discomfort may be increased by prolonged standing when working in a bakery. Early screening, comfortable footwear, rest time, and ergonomic workplace adjustments may help minimize the risk of plantar fasciitis while improving lower limb function among bakery workers.