Ankle pain is often due to an ankle sprain but can also be caused by ankle instability, arthritis, gout, tendonitis, fracture, nerve compression (tarsal tunnel syndrome), infection and poor structural alignment of the leg or foot. Ankle pain can be associated with swelling, stiffness, redness, and warmth in the involved area. The pain is often described as an intense dull ache that occurs upon weight bearing and ankle motion.
Initial treatment may consist of rest, ice, elevation, and immobilization, but may also include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, physical therapy, and cortisone injection. A foot and ankle surgeon can best determine the cause of the ankle pain and appropriate treatment options.
For more information on ankle pain see these valuable topics and articles:
Old Ankle Sprains Increase Risk for Newly Active Baby Boomers
Achilles tendon
ankle instability
arthritis
gout
fracture
osteoarthritis
peroneal tendon injuries
PTTD
talar dome lesion
tarsal tunnel syndrome (nerve compression)