Ankle pain years after fracture/dislocation

In October of 2007 (as a junior in college) I rolled out of my loft bed and fell maybe 6 feet and fractured my ankle and dislocated my big toe, and was told to stay off the ankle completely for about 2 weeks, and in a walking boot for another 4. I got a little antsy (I went to a college with little to no handicap access, with buildings about 300 years old with no elevators, etc.) and got out of the boot a little early and just wrapped the ankle and wore flat shoes. Now, I realize this, looking back it was a very poor decision, but unfortunately the decision was made and since then I've had some pain my ankle and toward the top of my foot (and the side of my foot where my dislocation occurred) but it's all been passing and definitely bearable.

Three years later, almost exactly, recently it's been acting up in a way that is causing a fairly noticeable limp, and pretty severe pain in my ankle. An orthopedic surgeon told me at this point there's not much that can be done, if anything, because of the choices I made with ditching the boot early. Unfortunately I'm an underemployed intern with a nonprofit that doesn't provide health insurance - so I really can't justify going to an orthopedic office unless it's really pretty necessary. The pain goes away toward the end of the day, but I'm not sure if that's because I'm just used to it by then or if moving around actually is better. The ankle has a bit of swelling, but not much, and only noticeable when it's pointed out. From the following description, should I be worried about my ankle, and is there anything than be done (on my own or by a doctor) that could fix it?

Thanks!

[louis682]

Yes the orthopedic should have followed up on your fracture to determine it has healed by now .....and that should still be done , the pain may be caused by the fracture not healing well or so many other reasons which you should seek and are important....have an xray done to the site of injury to determine the healing process and if the boots are bothering you let the orthopedic know you seek an alternative all the best