PFPS-Defined Plantar Heel Pain Among Women Aged 40–60 Years Engaged in Prolonged Standing in Kerala, India: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Online Survey

Background and Objectives: Plantar heel pain is common among people whose work involves prolonged standing, yet data from middle-aged women in India are scarce. This study estimated the proportion of women aged 40–60 years in prolonged-standing roles who met a pre-specified Plantar Fasciitis Pain/Disability Scale (PFPS) criterion (score > 35) and described the distribution of pain and disability. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted over one month in 2023 among women in Kerala, India (mainly Kannur and Kozhikode). Participants were recruited by convenience sampling through a Google Form circulated via WhatsApp and email. The PFPS, which incorporates a 0–100 visual analogue scale (VAS), was self-administered. The proportion scoring > 35 was reported with a Wilson 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Of 142 women reached, 100 completed the questionnaire (70.4%). Sixty-nine scored > 35 on the PFPS (69.0%; 95% CI 59.4–77.2%); a ≥ 35 rule yielded 73.0% (95% CI 63.6–80.7%). The median PFPS score was 40.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 33.0–51.3) and the median VAS score was 50 (IQR 40–60); 65% of participants reported moderate pain. Conclusion: About seven in ten respondents met the PFPS criterion, mostly with moderate pain. Because this criterion is not a validated diagnostic threshold and no clinical examination was performed, the finding reflects the symptom burden of plantar heel pain in a self-selected sample rather than the prevalence of clinically confirmed plantar fasciitis.