Prevalence of Plantar Fasciitis and its Associated Factors: A Retrospective Study in Patients Attending Primary Healthcare Clinics in Riyadh

Introduction: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder and a leading cause of heel pain, particularly among the elderly, women, obese individuals and those engaged in prolonged standing or weight-bearing activities. While PF has been widely studied globally, its prevalence in Saudi Arabia remains insufficiently studied. This study aims to assess the prevalence of PF and its associated risk factors among patients attending King Abdulaziz Medical City. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at three primary healthcare centers within King Abdulaziz Medical City. We included all patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with PF between January 2017 and December 2022. Data were extracted from electronic health records using the Best Care system, including sociodemographic variables (age, gender, marital status, occupation, BMI) and clinical characteristics (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, calcaneal spur). Results: The median age at diagnosis was 56 years, with 73% being females. Among PF patients, 10% had hypertension, 7.7% had diabetes, 23% had dyslipidemia, and 0.2% had calcaneal spur. The median BMI was 33.2 kg/m². The overall prevalence of PF among the 68134 patients in the three healthcare centers was 1.7%, with Iskan Al Yarmouk recording the highest prevalence (0.9%), followed by Health Care Specialty Center (0.6%) and National Guard Comprehensive Specialized Clinic (0.2%). Conclusion: The prevalence of PF among patients attending primary healthcare centers at King Abdulaziz Medical City was 1.7%, with a strong association with obesity and female gender. Targeted interventions, particularly among high-risk groups, are recommended such as incorporate weight management counseling and appropriate footwear guidance into routine care for patients at risk of plantar fasciitis. Further research is needed to explore long-term outcomes and optimize treatment strategies for PF patients in Saudi Arabia.