How best to deal with swollen ankles?

Depends on cause: Swollen ankles may be due to fluid accumulation that could result from venous insufficiency, heart failure, kidney disease, nutritional deficiency and the treatment will depend on the cause.

Find the cause 1st: There may be easy treatments for swollen ankles. However, the more important question is why are your ankles swollen. I would recommend that you be seen by an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon if your primary care physician cannot find the cause of the swollen ankles. Find one at aofas.Org.