Authors: Qureshi Fareed Ahmad , Idrees Qasim , Ahmad Ashfaq , Saleem Arslan , Gilani Syed Amir

Abstract

Background and Objective: Plantar fasciitis is the commonest musculoskeletal disorder seen in subjects with history of frequent running and prolonged standing. This study was designed to determine the frequency of plantar fasciitis among traffic wardens of Lahore.
Methods: This was cross-sectional study comprising of consenting 147 traffic wardens from city of Lahore. A modified plantar fasciitis pain scale (PFPS) questionnaire was used to record the sociodemographic information, past history of heel pain and risk factors of plantar fasciitis. Diagnosis was based on patient history and physical examination using visual analogue scale (VAS). The data was gathered and SPSS version 23.0 was used to analyze the data.
Results: The frequency of plantar fasciitis among 147 wardens was 38.7%. A total of 90 (61.2%) subjects were having morning stiffness while 85 (57.8%) had pain on palpation of medial plantar calcaneal region. Ninety six (65.3%) wardens reported of having 4-8 hours daily standing work while VAS revealed severe pain experienced by 42 (28.6%) subjects. There was a significant relationship between plantar fasciitis, prolonged standing and frequent running (P > 0.001).
Conclusion: Plantar fasciitis is very common among traffic wardens that may be attributed mainly to prolonged standing. It is highly recommended that Traffic Police Department may take measures for creating awareness and promotion of preventive aspects among these important professionals.

Keywords: Plantar fasciitis, Traffic wardens, Modified plantar fasciitis pain scale, Visual analogue scale.