Thank you for your replies. I'm afraid the problem has flared up again. It seems to get worse when I spend time working in the kitchen in bare feet or wearing slippers. I have a complicated medical history and it's probably part of a much bigger problem. I tried ice for 10 minutes but it caused the pain to get worse again, almost like something was suddenly tightening deep in my ankle.

My rheumatologist said I was borderline hypermobile, my joints were at the bendy end of normal and despite being overweight and unfit I can easily touch my toes, something that no-one else in my family can do. I wonder if when I side step in my kitchen and I'm not wearing shoes I could be going over on my ankle slightly and not even realising.

Thanks again for your advice.