Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade might have plantar fasciitis in his left foot, which would explain his absence from the court since Jan. 2, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Following Monday's practice, neither coach Erik Spoelstra nor Wade could rule out plantar fasciitis as the root of Wade's problems.
"It's mostly a bruise," Spoelstra said, according to the report. "And down there, when you get kicked a lot of times, it can feel like plantar fasciitis. But he's feeling better and we're able to give him extended rest and treatment and we'll have to see how he feels."
Wade received extra treatment for the injury Monday. Spoelstra said it's possible Wade could play Tuesday's game against the Golden State Warriors.
"It could be three different things," Wade said. "[Plantar fasciitis] is one of them. The bruise is one of 'em. Maybe it's a combination. I just know that it's in the area of the plantar fascia and I know it's brusied, as well. Whatever it is, it's just taking its course, taking its time to get healthy."
Miami has gone 3-0 in Wade's avsence and is in the midst of a five-game, nine-day road trip. At 8-1, the Heat lead the Eastern Conference.
Wade, 29, has struggled in the early going of the 2011/12 season, likely a result of the bruise. His 44.6 percent shooting is a career-worst, while his 18.8 scoring average is his lowest since his rookie season.
For more on the Heat, please visit Peninsula Is Mightier, SB Nation's Heat blog.