Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Cover image
By Daniel Petkevich
Nov 30, 2022

Currently no, but there are alternative treatments

For Medicare beneficiaries looking for treatment for plantar fasciitis, you might need to look elsewhere. Medicare has determined that shock wave therapy is not considered medically necessary, so it is unlikely that you will get coverage. But don't worry, there are some alternatives to pursue, which we will discuss below.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

What is plantar fasciitis and what are the symptoms?

Plantar fasciitis, also known as "policeman's heel," is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the ball. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain in the heel and arch, especially when standing or walking after resting.

What is shock wave therapy and how does it work?

Shock wave therapy is a non-invasive treatment for plantar fasciitis. A handheld device delivers high-energy sound waves into the affected area, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Does Medicare cover shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis. The determination is that it is not reasonable or medically necessary.

Alternatives to shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis

If you are looking for treatment options for plantar fasciitis, there are alternatives to shock wave therapy. Some of the most common treatments include rest, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. Additionally, some people may benefit from shockwave therapy with an off-label use certification from their doctor.

How to treat plantar fasciitis without surgery or shock wave therapy

There are a few options if you are looking for ways to treat plantar fasciitis without surgery or shock wave therapy. Stretching exercises and physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles in the foot, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Additionally, orthotics can help support the arch of your foot and cushion it from impact when walking. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can also help reduce pain and inflammation.

Takeaway

While Medicare does not cover shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis, other treatment options are available. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the best course of action for you before you try shock therapy or any treatment for plantar fasciitis. This content is for informational purposes only. With proper care and treatment, you can relieve the pain associated with plantar fasciitis and get back to living your life. Give us a call if you have any Medicare-related questions. Our experts are ready to help.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

Cover image
Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?
Jun 12, 2023
Doctor demonstrating upper cervical spine anatomy stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?
Jan 20, 2023
Cover image
When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement
Jun 7, 2023
Cover image
Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter
Feb 28, 2023
Mental health stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?
Oct 12, 2022
Senior couple working at a computer stock image
Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?
Dec 19, 2022
Medigap and Medicare Advantage arrows stock image
Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
Sep 14, 2022
Dames Point Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville
Mar 3, 2023
Cover image
Medicare & Ozempic
Jul 20, 2023
Cover image
Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?
Jun 14, 2023
Electrocardiograph with pacemaker stock photo
How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?
Nov 21, 2022
Nashville city skyline stock image
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville
Mar 10, 2023
Man with disability and service dog stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?
Nov 29, 2022
Cover image
The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023
Oct 2, 2023
Cover image
The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make
Jun 28, 2023
Nasal spray stock image
Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?
Jan 12, 2023
Plastic surgeon handles a silicon implant
Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?
Jan 5, 2023
Fair Square
Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?
Oct 6, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

2024 "Donut Hole" Updates

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2023?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Explained

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

The Fair Square Bulletin: February 2024

The Fair Square Bulletin: January 2024

The Fair Square Bulletin: June 2023

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M