Overuse Injury or Strain: This is often the most common cause of intermittent pain in the feet and ankles, especially in individuals who have recently increased their physical activity or have poor footwear. The pain typically worsens with activity and improves with rest.

Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, which supports the arch of the foot, leading to pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It's common in runners, people who are overweight, and those who wear shoes with inadequate support.
Ankle Sprain: Although typically associated with a history of trauma, mild sprains can cause intermittent pain, especially if the ankle is not fully rehabilitated.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons surrounding the ankle, which can be due to overuse or repetitive strain, leading to pain and stiffness.
Morton's Neuroma: A condition that affects the nerves between the toes, causing sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although less common, DVT can cause intermittent pain in the foot and ankle, especially if it occurs in the deep veins of the lower leg. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially in patients with risk factors such as recent surgery, immobilization, or cancer.
Osteochondritis Dissecans: A joint condition in which a piece of cartilage, along with a thin layer of the bone beneath it, comes loose from the end of a bone because of inadequate blood supply. It can lead to pain and swelling if the fragment becomes detached and starts to float in the joint.
Gout or Pseudogout: These are forms of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. They often affect the joint at the base of the big toe but can also occur in the ankle.

Erythromelalgia: A rare disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet. It can be primary (genetic) or secondary to other conditions like myeloproliferative disorders.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition that most often affects one of the arms, legs, hands, or feet after an injury or trauma. It's characterized by intense burning or aching pain in the affected limb.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): A condition where the arteries that supply blood to the muscles in the legs become narrowed or clogged, leading to intermittent claudication (pain in the legs or arms that occurs during exercise and is relieved by rest).