PREVALENCE OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH HAMSTRING TIGHTNESS IN ADULTS

Abstract

Prevalence of plantar fasciitis and its association with hamstring tightness in early adulthood. Background Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, often aggravated by prolonged standing or walking. Although various local factors have been studied extensively, less attention has been given to the role of proximal muscle tightness, particularly in the hamstrings, as a contributing factor to plantar heel pain. The aim of this study was to determine the association between hamstring tightness and plantar fasciitis in individuals aged 20 to 40 years. Methods and material This cross-sectional survey included 383 participants selected through non-probability sampling from hospitals, academic institutions, and the general population in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Individuals with clinically diagnosed unilateral plantar fasciitis and measurable hamstring tightness were included. Data were collected using the Plantar Fasciitis Pain Scale (PFPS) to assess pain intensity and functional impact, and the Active Knee Extension (AKE) test to evaluate hamstring flexibility. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21, and chi-square tests were applied to examine associations between hamstring tightness and plantar fasciitis severity. Results The results revealed a significant association between hamstring tightness and plantar fasciitis. Participants with moderate to severe tightness reported higher PFPS scores and greater difficulty in daily activities such as walking, stair climbing, and standing. The most commonly reported pain locations were the heel and toes, particularly during the first steps in the morning. Female participants had a higher prevalence of both plantar fasciitis symptoms and hamstring tightness compared to males, with statistically significant differences observed. The study found a strong association between reduced hamstring flexibility and the severity of plantar fasciitis symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of assessing hamstring tightness in individuals with plantar heel pain and suggest that flexibility-based interventions should be incorporated into treatment strategies.