I hav swollen ankles for a long time now. anything serious?

Probably not: Swollen ankles are most commonly associated with excess salt in diet, venous insufficiency (e.g., varicosities), compressive clothing. The specter of phlebitis (local heat, tenderness/pain) or heart failure (shortness of breath, fatigue) always lurk. If chronic, no gradual weight gain, and better in the morning, worse at end of day, probably not to worry too much. If otherwise, see your doctor!

Possibly -: Some reasons for chronic swelling ankle are arthritis of the knee or ankle or feet, chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema (abnormal lymphatic drain), congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease and malnutrition -- and the most common of these is chronic venous insufficiency that now can be treated using endovenous laser treatment -- please talk with your doctor about this!