PAIN INTENSITY, WALKING LIMITATIONS, AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS
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Keywords
plantar fasciitis, footwear modification, pain intensity, walking limitations, treatment effectiveness, ergonomic footwear.
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, pain intensity, walking limitations, and the effectiveness of treatment strategies for plantar fasciitis among male employees at DHQ Teaching Hospital Timergara Dir Lower, conducted from February 2023 to May 2023. The study particularly focused on the impact of footwear choices, including high heels and traditional Peshawri Chapels, on the development and management of heel pain.
Methods: The study involved 48 male participants diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and walking limitations were documented. Participants were treated using a variety of approaches, including footwear modifications (custom insoles, cushioned shoes), medication (painkillers/analgesics), or a combination of both. Data was collected over a three-month period. Results: The findings revealed that 45.8% of participants experienced moderate pain, while 35.4% reported severe pain. Pain frequency ranged from 1-2 days per week to 5-7 days per week. A significant 70.8% of participants reported walking limitations. Footwear had a considerable impact on pain intensity, with participants wearing high heels or Peshawri Chapels for 5-8 hours per day experiencing severe pain (VAS score of 10). Treatment outcomes showed that 50% of participants achieved recovery with a combined treatment of footwear modification and medication, while 72% experienced significant improvement in pain and walking functionality. Conclusion: This study underscores the critical role of proper footwear in managing plantar fasciitis and highlights the effectiveness of combined treatment (footwear modification + medication) in promoting recovery. The findings suggest that healthcare professionals should emphasize ergonomic footwear and customized treatment plans to prevent and manage plantar fasciitis, especially among male workers in high-stress occupations.
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Tahsin Ullah
Senior Registrar, Timergara Teaching Hospital Dir
Fazal Mahmood
Senior Registrar, Timergara Teaching Hospital Dir
Muhammad Ismail
Orthopedic Spine, Khyber Teaching Hospitals Peshawar
Riaz
Senior Registrar, Timergara Teaching Hospital Dir
Alamgir Khan
Senior Registrar, Timergara Teaching Hospital Dir