A friend suggested that I should post my message about my ankle pain on this site and see what helpful tips I get so hopefully someone out here will help me. Its been about 7 months that I have been experiencing severe left ankle pain for no apparent reason right by the ankle joint. I did not sprain, brake or injure my foot in any way but all of a sudden my left ankle starting throbbing as though someone was trying to break my foot apart from my ankle. Sometimes there is severe swelling around the ankle, the swelling comes and goes all by itself. The pain has remained the same whether swollen or not. I have not changed diet and this pain has been a mystery to me. I've had x-rays none of which show any broken bones. I consulted a podiatrist who thought I might have arthritis and prescribed naproxen which is an anti inflammatory but does not deal with the pain and my foot is not swollen all the time. Sometimes its so painful that I cannot walk or even put an ounce of pressure on my left foot. I've experienced many sleepless nights from the pain. When it's at its worst there is no position I can sit in that does not hurt. I take Aleve to ease the pain every now and then but even that does not help when its throbbing at 100%. The pain lasts for a few days then goes away for about a week or so and returns at the same strength. I sit behind a desk all day at work. I have a foot rest to elevate it while at work and I do the same when I get home but this does not seem to help either. I sincerely wish I knew what the problem and solution is. I'd like to work out but pressure on my foot has halted all my exercise habits. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.