Living well (or not) with patellofemoral pain: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common musculoskeletal condition, which has a negative effect on physical activity and function. Currently, it is unknown how and why individuals with PFP modify their physical activity. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experience of knee pain on physical activity and everyday life in individuals experiencing PFP.

DESIGN

Qualitative phenomenological interview study.

SETTING

University.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixteen patients experiencing PFP.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the pain experience on physical activity and daily living.

RESULTS

Patients with PFP attempted various strategies to remain physically active, such as identifying pain thresholds, activity modification, and pushing through their pain. Despite these various strategies to stay active, pain influenced their social life and patients demonstrated both fear avoidance beliefs and pain catastrophizing. Patients with PFP also reported barriers to seek care for their knee pain, such as negative past experiences with health care professionals and care not aligned with the best evidence available.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians treating PFP should be aware of biologic, psychological, and social aspects when evaluating and intervening with patients.