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.
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.
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.
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis. The determination is that it is not reasonable or medically necessary.
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.
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.
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.
Gap Health Insurance: The Secret Sidekick to Your High-Deductible Plan
Jul 14, 2025
Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare
Apr 27, 2023
Seeing the Value in Fair Square
May 15, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Piqray?
Dec 2, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?
Jan 11, 2023
Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?
Nov 29, 2022
What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued
Feb 26, 2024
Last Day to Change Your Medicare Part D Plan
Jul 14, 2025
Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?
Nov 23, 2022
Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?
Nov 18, 2022
Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas
Mar 22, 2023
Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?
Dec 8, 2022
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia
Mar 7, 2023
How to Become a Medicare Agent
Aug 30, 2023
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus
Mar 8, 2023
How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?
Nov 21, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?
Dec 5, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?
Jan 17, 2023
10 Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies for 2025
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle
15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver
2024 Cost of Living Adjustment
Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans
Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?
Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?
Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?
Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?
Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025
Denied Coverage? What to Do When Your Carrier Says No
Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?
Does Medicare Cover an FMT?
Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Boniva?
Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?
Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?
Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?
Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?
Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?
Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?
Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?
Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?
Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?
Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?
Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?
Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?
Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?
Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?
Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?
Does Medicare Cover Ofev?
Does Medicare Cover PTNS?
Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?
Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?
Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?
Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?
Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?
Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?
Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?
Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?
Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?
Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?
Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?
Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?
Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?
Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?
Estimating Prescription Drug Costs
Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition
Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors
How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You
How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?
How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?
How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes
How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together
Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?
Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?
Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?
Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?
Is PAE Covered by Medicare?
Medicare 101
Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025
Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State
Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors
Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs
The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make
What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?
What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?
What is the Medicare ICEP?
What's the Deal with Flex Cards?
Get the Fair Square Bulletin
Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.
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
Fair Square Medicare