WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Dr. Areej Raad Ali*, Dr. Rakan Ahmed Hamid

ABSTRACT

Background: Plantar heel pain is a highly prevalent condition that significantly limits physical activity and impairs health- related quality of life. Plantar fasciitis (PF) is recognized as a primary cause of musculoskeletal mechanical heel impairment rather than an acute systemic inflammatory condition. Objectives: To estimate the frequency of plantar fasciitis and investigate its sociodemographic, biomechanical, and medical associated risk factors among patients presenting to tertiary rheumatology consultation clinics in Mosul City, Iraq. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out across 5 months (February to June 2025) involving 200 patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis by standard physical criteria and history across clinical units at Al-Salam Teaching Hospital, Ibn-Sina Teaching Hospital, and Mosul General Hospital. Systematic structured interview sheets tracked epidemiological indices, body mass index, occupational requirements, clinical pain parameters, and diagnostic imaging characteristics. Results: A statistically significant age distribution peak was observed in patients aged 41–60 years (47.0%; p < 0.001) alongside a high female predominance of 81.5% (female-to-male ratio of 4.4:1; p < 0.001). Urban residents constituted 86.5% of the cohort. Biomechanical markers demonstrated that 57.5% of patients were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m²) and 33.0% were overweight. Prolonged job-related standing of 3–6 hours daily was present in 57.0% of the sample, with housewives (33.5%) and healthcare workers (27.0%) being the most frequent occupational categories. Radiographic calcaneal spurs were verified in 60.5% of participants, and 23.0% presented with foot architecture deformities (15.5% flat feet; 7.5% high arch). Clinical presentation was predominantly unilateral (61.5%), with structural mechanical pain localized directly to the bottom of the heel (64.0%). Conclusions: Plantar fasciitis in Mosul City is closely tied to multi-factorial parameters including female gender, middle age, elevated BMI, low background physical activity level, and structured occupational hazards involving prolonged hard-surface weight bearing. Target multi-sectoral awareness regarding appropriate specialized footwear, functional weight optimization, and workplace ergonomics is recommended.

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