Please remove the wheel from your bicycle (Quick release or bolts) and check for resistance moving the axle on it's own. A common axle construction features cone nuts, and lock nuts both inside the arms of your fork.
I've often observed that if the lock nut is not snug against the cone nut, they relative tightness can change just removing the wheel for any purpose, such as the flat tire service that you described. A properly tightened set of cone and lock nuts should move smoothly, yet have almost no play. You don't want them so tight that your bearings are wearing down excessively, just to make room to move. You don't want them loose enough to wobble or permit dirt and moisture into the bearing areas.
The lock nut is secured against the cone nut, once on each side of your hub. Once you have verified your axle bearing is moving well, replace the wheel onto your fork. It should be seated fully and centered (between the fork and the brake components).
This link provides a good how-to resource on adjusting the cone and lock nuts.
This page provides a decent photo pointing out the parts mentioned here. Your front wheel will probably have no spacers. Those are used on the rear axle.
I acknowledge prior contributors mentioned the bearings, but I felt a little more should be said addressing them.