The typical response when you mention "plantar fasciitis" to a basketball player is... "huh?" However, that may not be the case anymore after Spain's Olympic basketball star Juan Carlos Navarro had to miss some games due to the condition.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. This tissue creates the arch of the foot and is known as the plantar fascia. When the plantar fascia becomes irritated from overuse it can cause pain and discomfort.

Because basketball involves so much running and foot movement, plantar fasciitis can actually be quite common amongst basketball players. Some athletes wear ankle or foot braces that treat plantar fasciitis, such as the Aircast Airheel Ankle Brace. It gives extra support under the arch and has special aircells that inflate and deflate as you walk to gently massage key areas of the foot.

So if you're an athlete and start experiencing pain at the heel or bottom of the foot, check with your doctor to see if it may be plantar fasciitis. Then check out braces and supports for plantar fasciitis!