THE IMPACT OF LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS ON QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is a work related disorder which is considered to be due to over-use or over-stress of the wrist extensors of the forearm. The patient suffers from pain and decreased function which affects the basic activities in daily life. This reduction in function leading to disability may affect the quality of life as it includes items related to self care, usual activities, emotional problems, pain etc. The present study was conducted to study the impact of Lateral epicondylitis on quality of life. Methods: 52 subjects diagnosed with Lateral epicondylitis were included in the study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Outcome measures were: pain using Visual analog scale, functional disability using Patient rated tennis elbow evaluation and health-related quality of life using Short Form 36. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between pain and functional disability (p