What Causes Severe Arthritic Pain After Removal Of Titanium Rods?

Question: Hi! 16 years ago I suffered an open compound fracture of the tib/fib, approx. 5-6" above the inner ankle. There was severe damage to all tissues as well and a titanium rod was inserted with screws. A year later the screws were removed as I had a sensitivity to feeling them through my skin and causing me pain. It took a little over 6 months to walk again and over a year to not limp. I have experienced arthritic pain, sometimes very painful when I walked for years. A few days ago, pain started I have not felt before, this time slightly above where it broke through the skin instead of right in that area. It hurts even when resting, and brings me to tears it is so sharp. Could there be an issue I should see a specialist about? I usually am not concerned but as I said this is severe pain, unusual from the past 16 years of aches and hurts with pressure, movement, rest and no matter how I turn my leg or foot to alleviate it, it is constant.
Thank you.

So in your opinion this could be something more than arthritis? Ok I will definitely get in and get an xray to make sure it isn't serious. I could possibly have an infection this many years later?