I have a sharp intermittant stinging pain on the outside of my left ankle what could be the cause ?

Get a diagnosis...: There are a number of things that can cause pain in the ankles. This is a very nonspecific symptom. A few possibilities are fracture, nerve pain, sprain and tendon problems. I recommend that someone pain in these areas should be seen by orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon for a definitive diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can be started. You can find one in your area at www.Aofas.Org.

A few things: This can be caused by an ankle sprain/instability, arthritis, tendinitis, [sural] nerve entrapment among other reasons. See a podiatrist or orthopedist for a diagnosis and proper care.