Investigation of the factors affecting quality of life in patients with lateral epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is one of the most common lesions of the elbow, which occurs with excessive use and repetitive movements of the elbow. With the pain, decrease in muscle strength and sensitivity seen in patients, people avoid or cannot use their elbows effectively in their daily lives. Thus situation affects the daiys living activities of the patients and reduces their quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine the factors affecting the quality of life in patients with LE and the relation between these factors. A total of 101 patients diagnosed with LE a mean age of 39.0±8.99 years were included in our study. Demographic characteristics of the cases were recorded in the patients evaluation form. Pain levels were evaluated by Vizüel Analogue Scale and Nirschl Pain Scale; elbow functionality by Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire, Duruoz Hand Index, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Oxford Elbow Score; functional deficiences and activities of the daily living by Health Assesment Questionnaire; kinesiophobia levels by Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale; quality of life by Nottingham Health Profile; joint motion range by digital gonyometer; pinch strength by pinchmeter; grip strength by hand dynometer and pressure pain threshold by algometer. According to the results of the study, pain levels, elbow function, functional deficiency and activities of the daily living and kinesiophobia levels affected the quality of life significantly (p<0,05); but elbow and wrist joint range of motion, grip strength, pinch strength and pressure pain threshold did not significantly affect quality of life (p>0,05). As a result, it has been determined that pain, elbow function, functional deficiency and daily life activity and kinesiphobia are important parameters affecting the quality of life in patients with LE.