Osaka 800m bronze medal holder Mayte Martinez of Spain has undergone surgery on her heel but hopes to be back in time to prepare fully for the Beijing Olympics in August.

Martinez - who recently finished fourth at World Indoor Championships in Valencia - has a painful condition named plantar fasciitis, which inflames the heel due to repeated contact with hard ground.

"It is a tough decision because it is Olympic year," she told the Spanish media.

"However we have spoken with the specialists and they have advised me to have the operation.

"Although surgery is aggressive, the probability of eliminating the ailment is increased."

After a rehabilitation period of around eight weeks she should be able to start regular training again.

Alfonz Juck / Eurosport