Elbow Problem......

[choggieman]

Sounds to me like tennis or golfers elbow. Either of which are inflammation over the condyles( bony bumps on inside and outside of your elbow). There are small bursa there that get all riled up.I work in Orthopedics and see it all the time. It is usually caused by repetitive motion, like making too many posts on fishing websites. . Ice can help, as well as anti-inflammatories such as motrin(advil) and alleve(naproxen).Be sure to read the directions on the pill botlles as these are both known to cause ulcers if not taken as suggested. Rest and a tennis elbow brace are usually indicated, as is a cortisone shot occasionally. I have a feeling this is not terminal, so you may live.....LOL. Might have to give up fishing, so I will be the first to volunteer to come to your home and haul away all your tackle you will no longer be able to use.

[flyin]

go see a physical therapist and/or a good orthopedic doctor who should rule out tendon damage. "tennis elbow" is very common, and I got it last summer after pulling weeds for a couple of days... same symptoms you describe. But a good PT can give you specific exercises based on where the injury is. Motrin helps in the short term for the local pain, the exercises (and otherwise REST) and the arm strap help in the long term, not necessarily in that order

don't go for surgery automatically, get a second opinion.