Is it normal to have weird feeling and painful elbows?

II have been feeling this way for a while now (few months). My elbows often feel stiff and weak/tired. That is the best way I can describe it. They sometimes hurt or ache really badly, but not always. I can't actually see any swelling, but sometimes they feel like they are swollen, if that makes sense. My gf said she thinks it could be arthritis, but everything I read online said it is really rare in the elbows and usually starts in the feet or knees first, even in people who do get it in their elbows (my feet and knees are fine). Besides that, I am only 23 years old. I know young people CAN get arthritis, but isn't it rare? Or maybe all those painful looking pictures of twisted up fingers I saw while researching made me want to think that anyway (haha). My gf insisted I make an appointment, so I will be going to the doctor in just a few days to get this checked out. I just thought I would get your opinions while I wait. Is this likely something to worry about or could it just be something normal, like growing pains (even though I quit growing at 18).Yes it hurts sometimes, but it is more of an annoyance than something that is really interfering with my life. I don't want to see the doctor and end up looking stupid when it is nothing. Thanks.