It was sore when the doctor pushed on the area where my growth plate is located (ankle). could the pain just be a bruise on it or from the swelling??

Pushing too Hard.: Normally, the growth plate area is not sore to push on unless intentionally pushed on hard enough to cause you to have pain. Not specifically from a previously suspected injury, but from aggressive pushing. If he/she is evaluating the growth plate because of trauma to the ankle, the pain could be from bruising and/or swelling of the growth plate. An x-ray may be taken to check for a fracture.