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

Orthopaedist at work treating a bunion, stock photo
Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?
Nov 29, 2022
Medsupp Thumbnail
Plan G vs. Plan N
Jan 28, 2022
various cartoon scenarios showing long term care stock photo
Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?
Sep 16, 2022
SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) symptoms stock photo
Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?
Dec 1, 2022
Medicare check yes stock image
How to Apply for Medicare?
Jul 15, 2022
Cover image
The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023
Oct 2, 2023
older man suffering from stomach pain due to IBS stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?
Jan 19, 2023
Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo
Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?
Nov 21, 2022
Doctor physician consulting with male patients in hospital exam room stock photo
Is PAE Covered by Medicare?
Nov 23, 2022
Electrocardiograph with pacemaker stock photo
How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?
Nov 21, 2022
Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?
Nov 30, 2022
Ozempic stock image
Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?
Mar 28, 2023
breast cancer awareness ribbon stock image
Does Medicare Cover Piqray?
Dec 2, 2022
Medicare Enrollment Periods stock image
Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare
Feb 3, 2023
senior man reaching to his ear with jumbled letters going into the ear stock image
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Nov 9, 2022
Abortion stock image
Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?
Dec 13, 2022
A doctor with a clipboard consults a female patient with cancer
Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?
Jan 11, 2023
woman working from home with a headset on stock image
How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?
Apr 12, 2023

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare 101

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

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