Incidence of heel pain in university students: an observational study

Background: Heel pain has been a common complaint among individuals, affecting various age groups and lifestyles. However, its Incidence and impact specifically among university students had remained relatively understudied. Aim: This study aimed to assess the incidence of heel pain among university students, identify potential risk factors associated with its development, and explore its impact on daily activities and academic performance. Materials and Methods: For this study, participant recruitment entailed conducting a cross-sectional investigation with a representative sample of university students recruited from diverse departments and academic years. Data collection involved administering a structured questionnaire to gather information on demographics, lifestyle factors, footwear habits, physical activity levels, and any history of foot injuries or conditions. Furthermore, participants underwent assessment for the presence and characteristics of heel pain using standardized evaluation tools. Statistical analysis comprised the use of descriptive statistics to outline the Incidence of heel pain among university students. Results and Discussion: The results revealed noteworthy insights into the Incidence of heel pain among university students, indicating its significance within this demographic. Factors such as age, gender, body mass index, and footwear choices were found to be associated with the occurrence of heel pain. Furthermore, students with higher levels of physical activity appeared to be more susceptible to experiencing heel pain. The discussion highlighted the potential impact of heel pain on students' quality of life, academic performance, and participation in extracurricular activities. Comparisons with existing literature underscored the importance of addressing heel pain as a prevalent musculoskeletal issue among university students. Additionally, the implications for preventive measures and interventions were discussed, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to promote foot health and overall well-being in this population. Conclusion: this study underscores the significance of heel pain as a prevalent musculoskeletal concern among university students, with factors such as age, gender, body mass index, footwear choices, and physical activity levels playing pivotal roles in its occurrence. By shedding light on the Incidence and associated risk factors of heel pain in this demographic, this research provides valuable insights for informing targeted preventive measures and interventions aimed at promoting foot health and enhancing overall well-being among university students. Keywords: heel pain, university students, Incidence, risk factors, musculoskeletal health, preventive measures, interventions, foot health, well-being. Keywords: heel pain, university students, Incidence, risk factors, musculoskeletal health, preventive measures, interventions, foot health, well-being.背景：足跟痛是人群中常见的不适主诉，可累及不同年龄群体与各类生活方式人群。然而，目前针对大学生群体的足跟痛发病率（Incidence）及其影响的相关研究仍相对匮乏。 目的：本研究旨在评估大学生群体中足跟痛的发病率，明确与其发生相关的潜在危险因素，并探究足跟痛对日常活动与学业表现的影响。 材料与方法：本研究采用横断面调查（cross-sectional investigation）设计，从多院系、多学年的大学生中招募具有代表性的研究对象。数据收集通过结构化问卷完成，采集内容涵盖人口学特征、生活方式因素、穿鞋习惯、体力活动水平，以及足部损伤或疾病史。此外，研究人员采用标准化评估工具，对参与者的足跟痛发生情况与临床特征进行评估。统计分析环节通过描述性统计方法，明确大学生群体中足跟痛的发病率。 结果与讨论：本研究结果揭示了大学生群体足跟痛发病率的重要特征，证实该问题在该人群中具有较高的临床意义。研究发现，年龄、性别、身体质量指数（Body Mass Index, BMI）与穿鞋习惯等因素与足跟痛的发生存在显著关联。此外，体力活动水平较高的学生罹患足跟痛的风险显著升高。讨论部分重点分析了足跟痛对学生生活质量、学业表现及课外活动参与度的潜在影响。与现有文献的对比进一步凸显了将足跟痛作为大学生群体中普遍存在的肌肉骨骼健康问题加以重视的必要性。此外，研究还探讨了相关预防措施与干预手段的应用前景，强调需制定针对性策略以促进该群体的足部健康与整体健康水平。 结论：本研究证实足跟痛是大学生群体中普遍存在的肌肉骨骼健康问题，年龄、性别、身体质量指数、穿鞋习惯及体力活动水平均为其发生的关键影响因素。本研究明确了该群体中足跟痛的发病率与相关危险因素，为制定针对性预防措施与干预手段、促进大学生足部健康与整体健康水平提供了重要参考依据。 关键词：足跟痛、大学生、发病率、危险因素、肌肉骨骼健康、预防措施、干预手段、足部健康、健康福祉。