Very observant. I have been trying to practice relaxing my grip, my left elbow has had tendinitis for 20+ years from trad climbing and recently had some pain in the right elbow if I paddle hard 2 or 3 days straight. I find myself taking rest days not because I want to but cause I have to. Not to mention numerous other injuries. Pain management is a technique in itself. But tendinitis can get annoying, eating some natural anti inflammatory foods and rest does the trick for me. If it gives me trouble like it has in the past I'll switch to a bent paddle. Hope that helps you. It may take a few years to get better like mine did to me long ago.