A sore ankle is a painful ankle joint where the pain may vary from mild to severe. Most of the time, this kind of soreness is accompanied by localized swelling. However, ankle pain without swelling may also occur. In some cases, the skin of the area may turn red and is warm and tender to touch. When the pain turns severe, you will not be able to stand on your feet or walk. Excessive swelling in the joint can even prevent turning of the ankle joint in any direction.