Pau Gasol diagnosed with plantar fasciitis

Pau Gasol was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis on Thursday, according to a team release.

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of a tendon within the sole of the foot. It’s a relatively common injury that can be resolved with treatment and orthotics (customized shoe inserts).

Gasol’s right foot was examined by Dr. Kenneth Jung via MRI. The Lakers list their forward/center as probable against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Recently Richard Hamilton of the Chicago Bulls tore his plantar fascia, which has him still sidelined now for almost a month. A clean tear can actually heal more easily than dealing with the ongoing pain of plantar fasciitis.

Some players are able to go all season with the ailment. Some sit for a stretch to try to alleviate the inflammation.

Gasol struggled with knee tendinitis this season, missing eight games. He’s averaged 5.5 assists over his last four appearances but has shot just 42% from the field this season.

The 11-year veteran is still searching for a way to play with Dwight Howard in Coach Mike D’Antoni’s system.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.