This article is general health information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical advice. If you're worried about swelling — especially if it's sudden, painful, on one side only, or comes with other symptoms — contact a doctor, midwife, or your local urgent-care service. Swollen ankles and feet are something almost everyone experiences at some point — after a long flight, a hot day, hours on your feet, or a salty meal. Most of the time it's harmless and set