Frequency of Heel Pain and Its Association with Quality of Life Among Hair Dressers in Lahore

Background: Heel pain is a common occupational musculoskeletal complaint among workers who spend prolonged periods standing, including hairdressers, and may negatively affect physical functioning, psychological wellbeing, work performance, and overall quality of life. Objective: To determine the frequency of heel pain and assess its association with quality of life among hairdressers in Lahore. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 279 male and female hairdressers aged 18–35 years who had been practicing professionally for at least two years and worked 7–8 hours per day. Participants were recruited from salons in Lahore using convenience sampling. Heel pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and categorized as no pain, mild pain, moderate pain, or severe pain. Quality of life was assessed using domain-based questionnaire responses covering general health, physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental health. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and tests of association, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Most participants were male (61.6%). Heel pain was reported by 65 participants (23.3%), while 214 participants (76.7%) reported no pain. Mild pain was present in 21 participants (7.5%), moderate pain in 33 participants (11.8%), and severe pain in 11 participants (3.9%). Heel pain intensity showed a statistically significant association with poorer quality-of-life outcomes across general, physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Heel pain affected nearly one-fourth of hairdressers and was significantly associated with reduced quality of life, particularly in physical and psychological domains. Early screening, ergonomic education, supportive footwear, rest breaks, and preventive workplace strategies may help reduce heel pain burden and improve wellbeing among hairdressers