According to studies published in BMJ Quality & Safety, about 12 million people in the U.S. who seek outpatient medical treatment are misdiagnosed annually. In a slideshow by U.S. News & World Report, Rock G. Positano, DPM, MSc, MPH, director of the Non-surgical Foot and Ankle service at HSS, explained that heel pain is one of the most misdiagnosed musculoskeletal conditions.

"Physicians often misdiagnose heel pain as plantar fasciitis based on the clinical exam alone or in conjunction with an MRI, without performing an ultrasound to rule out other possible causes," said Dr. Positano.

He added that an incorrect diagnosis could lead to unnecessary surgery and inactivity, which could then contribute to cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and depression.

View the full slideshow at health.usnews.com (slide 3).