Prevalence Of Heel Pain And Its Impact On Daily Activities Among Female Teaching Staff At Universities Of Dera Ismail Khan

Abstract

Background: Heel pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint that significantly affects daily activities and quality of life. Teaching professionals, particularly females, are at high risk due to prolonged standing and walking during work hours. However, limited epidemiological data exists for this population in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of heel pain and its impact on daily activities among female teaching staff at universities in Dera Ismail Khan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 female teaching staff from Gomal University, Agriculture University, and Qurtuba University, Dera Ismail Khan. Non-probability convenient sampling was used. Data were collected using a structured demographic form and the Modified Foot Function Index (FFI-16) questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS.

Results: The overall prevalence of heel pain was 65.6%, with 32.8% reporting mild pain, 20.0% moderate pain, and 12.8% severe to extreme pain. Significant associations were found between pain severity and BMI (p = .001), footwear type (p = .015), systemic disorders (p = .000), and age (p = .024). No significant association was found with years of teaching experience (p = .694). Strong positive correlations were observed between pain and functional difficulty (r = 0.665, p = .000), and between pain and activity limitation (r = 0.546, p = .000).

Conclusion: Heel pain is highly prevalent among female teaching staff in Dera Ismail Khan, affecting nearly two-thirds of the population. BMI, footwear type, systemic disorders, and age are important associated factors. Regular screening, appropriate footwear education, weight management programs, and early physiotherapy interventions are recommended.