Ankle pain at night for years please help

I expierience nightly, mild to severe ankle pain in my left foot. I have visited the doctor but my insurance wont pay for an mri so im not sure whats wrong. The doctor said when i had my feet hanging off the table that my left foot hung lower and i just probably need to wear a brace at night (he would let me know after the mri) but i cant get the mri. It is the anterior of my ankle right at the bend and the only way i find relief is if i press my toes towards me as hard as i can (all night) or i rotate and crack my ankle all night (it cracks and pops alot) each crack gives me relief for about a min or so. i can describe the feeling as when your in the car for a long time and you just get that feeling in your knees and feet that you need to stretch but you cant. This is tormenting me and i can only ever find braces for heel problems and i need relief. Any help would be appriciated