Hi Ben, firstly you can massage the forearm muscles. These connect to the elbow 'knuckles' on the inside and outside of elbow. This inflame and cause a loss of grip strength due to pain and underuse.
These conditions are known as epicondylitis these are commonly termed golfers and tennis but can be seen in trades men, darts players, horse riders even cleaners. Essentially these are the most common pains in elbow. They develop over time and are from repetitive causes.
Rest, ice and compression is essential do recovery.
A epicondylitis strap can help