I am a firefighter, and i know it puts a lot of strain on joints. However over the last month or so I have noticed my the inner most side of my elbow (if extended) appears slightly swollen, kinda \"squishy\", and is tender to touch as if it was a bruise. However it has not changed.I have also noticed a \"knot\" on the top of my shoulder that is tender to touch and that my should cracks a lot more, and \"pop\" in a lot more places then before.
Hi I am Chat Doctor. .  I hope you feel better soon, I think you may have arthritis or tendinitis as they may show your symptoms.  You may use painkillers (NSAIDs) like Tylenol 400\u00a0mg tabs when needed as they will help in reducing your pain and inflammation, hot gentle massages with topical anti-inflammatory gels, muscle relaxants, B12 vitamin supplements will be effective for most of the cases. In more chronic and severe cases steroid tabs or injections may be prescribed if required.  If these knots persists or increase in mass I recommend some lab investigations and X-ray and follow them up with your orthopedic for proper evaluation and management. Please click and consider a 5-star rating with some positive feedback if the information was helpful. Wish you good health, Any further clarifications feel free to ask.