ankle pain with running

Question
I started running last summer, but it came to a halt after just a week when my left ankle became very painful.  A visit to the physiotherapist was followed by over a week of swelling, and while this subsided, the ankle was never very strong afterwards. I went to about 5 physio sessions.  It now clicks when I walk barefoot and is painful on and off, around the bony bit on the outside, and sometimes on the inside too.  I stopped running once it got sore, but began swimming, cycling and walking to keep fit.  Two weeks ago, I planned to walk a 10 K mini-marathon, but chose at the last minute to run it.  I ran it without difficulty, so my fitness is quite good.  I also really enjoyed it, and would love to run again, but know that I need to sort my ankle first, as it feels a little painful since the 10 K.  I can't afford to spend a huge amount of money or time on physiotherapy, but would love some advice as to what might be wrong, how best to mend it, and how to avoid damage.  I must add that, prior to running last summer, I had tripped on a stairs 5 years earlier, causing bruising and swelling.  An X-ray at the time didn't reveal any damage, but the ankle was never quite right since then - pain every so often, and clicking when walking barefoot.  I am a 41 year old mother of 3, and don't carry any extra weight.

Answer
Hi Grainne
Since you ran the the 10k with out problems it suggest to me regardless of the original cause that you have an ankle which is weak along with all the surrounding tendons ligaments and collagen.More than likely you twisted your ankle a ways back and you probably didn't take the time to strengthen it.You will come back fine over time with patience and work.The clicking tells me there is some tracking and alignment issues with some tendons.I would recommend you use a up right stationary to stay fit as often as you can which will help with the tracking and alignment and with the stability which your lacking.I would also ice it frequently and also foot and ankle soak in with epson salts.Maintain this program for a couple months and then you can test the situation.You really have to have a great great deal of patience and not rush back.Also start 500mg vit c 3times a day with food to enhance recovery and strengthening ligaments and collagen.If you have any questions just get in touch and let me know how your doing along the way.You can walk but no running.

All the best


John