Ankle swelling
Six months is a long time to have as much swelling in your ankle as you have described. They key is to find out what is causing the swelling, there is most likely an underlying problem causing the continued edema.
Walking actually helps lower extremity swelling because the muscles in the lower leg contract and compress the vessels and send the blood back to the heart. But, if you have a problem in the ankle and/or foot, continued walking may aggravate this, causing the body to send more blood to the area and prolong the swelling. So, depending on the reason for the swelling, the walking may be helpful or harmful.
Dependency (sitting with your legs down for or standing without walking for extended periods) will worsen any swelling in the feet, ankles or lower legs. Blood flow is also subject to gravity.
Compression and elevation definitely will help control the swelling, but heat may worsen it. Heat causes the the blood vessels to open up, increasing blood flow to the area. Heat is great therapy for certain injuries, especially muscle strains, but probably only contributing to further swelling at your ankle at this point.
It's probably time to make an appointment with your doctor.
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