Ankle pain is often the result of injury or uncorrected faulty biomechanics. Stiffness, instability and inflammation are the symptoms most people experience. The resulting pain is usually diffuse, but in the cases of sprains, may involve specific structures such as ligaments. Ligaments can be stretched, partially or completely torn and even cause ankle fractures depending on the force of the impact or type of injury. Inflammation of muscle tendons, bone abnormalities and nerve compression can also create ankle discomfort.