Maybe you could hide the padding in a glove. Then you bow would still be beautiful, and no pain! Inflamation is such a problem, causing major issues, like arthritis. Much of the inflamation can be reversed with diet change. I had terrible knees for years. No one could fix them, doc, massage, physio. Started eating paleo(been primitive a while!) and within two weeks my knee pain was GONE! I cycle commuted through the pain for ever, worked in crawlspaces on the daily, and climbing ladders. It all hurt and I accepted it. Until I made the change. I am not nearly as strict now and my knees are still as I would expect as someone who isn't in their 40's yet, pain free and bendy! Oh I also gave up booze over 5 years ago. I think that is also a great decision to help rid inflamation. Hope that helps:)