[Chronic knee pain and specific heat phobia. A case report]

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Psychosomatic Medicine
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Chronic knee pain can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and work capacity.
• Specific phobias, such as heat phobia, can exacerbate pain conditions and lead to prolonged absenteeism.
• The interplay between physical pain and psychological distress requires integrated therapeutic approaches.

Observation:

• A patient presented with chronic knee pain and a specific phobia of heat, coupled with a history of frequent sick certificates.
• The patient's condition suggested a psychosomatic component contributing to their persistent pain and inability to work.
• Standard pain management strategies had proven insufficient to address the patient's complex condition.

Findings:

• The implementation of multimodal pain therapy, incorporating various treatment modalities, was initiated.
• Biofeedback therapy was employed to address the acquired anxiety disorder linked to the heat phobia.
• Successful resolution of the anxiety disorder was achieved through the combined therapeutic interventions.

Implications:

• Integrated treatment approaches combining physical and psychological therapies can effectively manage complex pain conditions.
• Addressing psychosomatic components is crucial for restoring long-term working ability in patients with chronic pain and phobias.
• This case highlights the potential of multimodal and biofeedback therapies in achieving sustained functional recovery and return to work.