Non-operative Management of Anterior Knee Pain: Patient Education

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Anterior knee pain is a multifactorial, often chronic condition, which can lead to long-term pain and disability. The purpose of this review is to examine the latest research on patient education for anterior knee pain. We will focus on how we might use patient education to increase the adoption of other efficacious treatment modalities and offer some suggestions for content and form of effective patient education. RECENT FINDINGS: New research suggests that patient education, alone, or in combination with targeted exercise therapy, can be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with patellofemoral pain. Addressing non-physical or psychological factors may also be an important component of patient education in many patients with chronic pain. Incorporation of new technologies into patient education, such as those available online, or through phone- or tablet-based apps, is likely to be helpful in the future, as we move more towards connecting with patients virtually. SUMMARY: Patient education has been shown to be effective in decreasing pain and improving activity in patients with patellofemoral pain. Patient education should be individualized to the patient, focus on the latest effective treatments, and emphasize those treatments that can be self-managed by the patient. Emphasis should also be placed on patient understanding of risk factors and patterns of movement that may lead to, or exacerbate, anterior knee pain. Future research should continue to further characterize the elements of patient education that offer the most efficient treatment benefit.