<<I hate to say it, but pain that is much worse after being off your feet for a little while is a classic sign of plantar fasciitis (and yes, I have it). >>

Except that plantar fasciitis tends to manifest itself as pain in the soles, and the OP has mentioned pain in the ankles, which is not a symptom.

I had plantar fasciitis for a few months, and then it went away on its own, which my doctor says sometimes happens.

F.

Did somebody say heel spur? Ouch!!!! Sure sounds like that's what you have.
I just had my first case of it, very painful.

I had pain in my heels and at the tendons on the backs of my ankles. Dr. thought it was a bone spur on the heel, and referred me to a podiatrist, but I never went. I did go and get some good hiking boots which I wear when I'm hiking and they seem to help, so I would guess the better the shoes you can get, the less pain you might also have. FWIW, the pain was much, much greater when I first started out, at 243 lbs, and much less now even though I am walking a LOT more than I used to. For a while, I was at a lower weight by a few more pounds, like mid-high 180's and the pain stopped almost completely. I'm hoping for a huge improvement again once I lose some more.

Barb

I must IMPLORE you to see a doctor. I started having foot pain about a year ago.... Waited a while to see a doctor and it turned out to be plantar fasciitis from wearing bad shoes. Unfortunately it didn't end there, I did not have insurance so I didn't get appropriate care. I now have posterior tibial tendon dysfunction which means I will be wearing a bracing custom orthotic for the rest of my life. I am only 28, and to top it all off the tendon issue caused me to develop arthritis in my foot and ankle. My knee also hurts as well. I am not trying to scare you but you must see a doctor to rule out any medical issues. Being overweight stresses our feet more, along with incorrect footwear and you have a very big equation for pain/damage.
Things that you may want to try to hold you over are:
1. freeze a water bottle and roll your foot over it for 5 minutes each foot 3-5 times/day. (ice massage) You can also ice your ankles
2. stretch your feet by pulling your toes back toward your leg, very gently until you feel a slight stretch.
3. Do calf stretches (gastroc, soleus, etc)
4. But over the counter shoe inserts/orthotics-my Dr. told me to get Power Step or Spenco- I must mention this was not enough in my case.
5. Get a gait analysis at a shoe store to find out if your overpronate. You may also want to try some shoes with a rocker bottom which decreases stress on your feet.
6. Do ankle range of motion exercises and heel raises
7. Take Ibuprofen to decrease swelling and control pain (if you're able)
8. try wearing a figure 8 ankle brace if you feel like you need the support
But MOST importantly get to the doctor. Everything I listed above are things I was told to do to improve my condition in the early stages and now forever. I hope it turns out to be nothing serious I know that list looks crazy but I wish someone had told me that stuff before I developed more serious issues. Good luck!

plantar fasciitis
I had this as well and remembered dragging my foot home after work and I do not work on my feet all day but I suffered. So I can only imagine the pain if you are on your feet all day and suffer from this. I went to see a podiatrist and he recommended orthotics. I wear these in my shoes and I wear New Balance runners, they are ones with motion control. I suggest you see a podiatrist. All I can say is that is was like a miracle. I am pain free now. The only downside is I am limited in what kind of shoes I can wear. I know I can order fancier shoes for my orthotics but I am happy with runners most of the time.

I went to a store called Ideal Feet that I heard about on the radio in the shower the other day. They said I have plantar fasciitis. My ankle pain was from walking funny to accommodate my foot pain. They had me try out these inserts and the pain went away in like 5 minutes. Unfortunately I can't afford them just yet (since I work for minimum wage and it's hard to save money when you hardly make any). I did find some Sketchers Shape-ups at a really reasonable price, so I bought them, and since I started wearing them my feet have been a little happier. I almost have enough for the orthotics, I should have enough after I get my next paycheck, and I'll buy them as soon as I can afford them. I've been taking ibuprofen, putting ice on my feet in the mornings and after work, and stretching my feet before I get out of bed in the morning, when I get home from work and take my shoes off, and when I lay down to go to bed. My fiance massages my feet for me every night too (Soooo lucky!).

Thankfully the pain hasn't worsened, and it's slowly getting tolerable. I should have my new orthotics in a week or so, and then everything will be peachy keen!

I'm also starting a new job on Monday that doesn't require me to be on my feet for as much at a time, which will probably help too!

Thanks for all of the advice, everyone! I really appreciate it!

Losing weight helped me foot pain immensely (PF here, too) to the point where it is almost non-existent now. Also, good shoes are a must. Dansko, Clark, Keen, Sofft, etc. All those brands are going to give you excellent support in dressier shoes. And if the appearance is no concern, ZCoils were already mentioned.

Stretch before your feet even hit the floor. Your instep and heel need a good conditioning before they bear weight if pain is an issue. It doesn't take long, but makes all the difference in the world.