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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Activity modification; Fear avoidance; Phenomenology; Qualitative research.