Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Does Insurance Cover Cortisone Injections for Foot Pain? relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Does Insurance Cover Cortisone Injections for Foot Pain?
Cortisone injections for medically indicated foot conditions are covered by virtually all insurance plans including Medicare. Your cost is typically your specialist copay plus applicable deductible. We verify your specific benefits before every visit.
What Are Cortisone Injections Used for in Podiatry?
Cortisone (corticosteroid) injections are one of the most effective treatments in podiatry for inflammatory conditions. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, we use cortisone injections for: plantar fasciitis (heel pain — our most common injection), heel bursitis (retrocalcaneal or insertional bursitis), Morton’s neuroma (nerve compression between toes), arthritic joint pain (first MTP joint arthritis, ankle arthritis), and cystic lesions. The injection takes under 60 seconds, causes minimal discomfort (we use the thinnest available needles), and patients typically notice significant relief within 3–7 days that lasts 3–6 months.
Insurance Coverage for Cortisone Injections
Medicare (Parts A & B): Covered when medically necessary. After your Part B deductible ($257 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Most Medigap plans cover that 20%. Repeat injections require documented clinical necessity.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Michigan): All Michigan Medicare Advantage plans cover cortisone injections at the specialist copay level. BCBS Medicare Plus Blue PPO, Humana, Aetna, HAP, Molina, Meridian, Priority Health, and others all cover cortisone injections for medically indicated conditions. Copays typically range from $0–$50 depending on your plan tier.
Commercial Insurance (BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United, HAP): All major commercial insurers cover cortisone injections for medically indicated conditions. Your specialist office visit copay typically applies. If you haven’t met your deductible, you’ll pay toward it.
Medicaid (Michigan / Healthy Michigan Plan): Covered with low or zero copay for most Medicaid members.
Workers’ Compensation: Covered when the foot condition is work-related and documented.
How Many Cortisone Injections Are Covered?
Most insurers don’t have a hard annual limit on cortisone injections, but repeated injections for the same site require documentation of ongoing medical necessity. For plantar fasciitis, most guidelines recommend limiting to 2–3 injections in a 12-month period at the same site due to potential tendon weakening with excessive injections. We follow these evidence-based guidelines and document appropriately for your insurer.
What If You Don’t Have Insurance or Are Uninsured?
We offer transparent self-pay pricing for cortisone injections. The procedure itself is relatively inexpensive as a cash-pay service. Call (810) 206-1402 for current self-pay pricing — you may be surprised at how affordable it is without insurance.
Same-Day and Next-Day Appointments Available
We understand heel pain and foot pain don’t wait for a convenient appointment slot. Same-day and next-day appointments are frequently available at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Call (810) 206-1402 — we’ll verify your insurance and get you in quickly.
We contact your insurance company directly and verify your specific benefits, deductible status, and copay before your appointment. No surprise bills.
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell: 4330 E Grand River Ave | Bloomfield Hills: 43494 Woodward Ave #208
We accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage, BCBS, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Humana, HAP, Molina, Meridian, Priority Health, McLaren, Workers’ Comp, VA, and most Michigan insurance plans.
✅ Cortisone & PRP Injections | ✅ MLS Dual-Wavelength Laser
✅ EPAT Shockwave Therapy | ✅ 3D Custom Orthotics
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell & Bloomfield Hills
More Podiatrist-Recommended Cortisone Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
PowerStep Pinnacle Insole
- The Pinnacle Full length insoles for men & women provide maximum cushioning, from high activity to moderate support. The PowerStep arch support shape provides stability to the foot and ankle, helping to relieve foot pain.
- When you spend all day on your feet, every step counts. PowerStep insoles are a podiatrist-recommended orthotic to help relieve & prevent foot pain related to athletes, runners, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs & other common foot, ankle & knee injuries
- The Pinnacle plantar fasciitis insoles offer superior heel cushioning and arch support. The dual-layer cushioning is designed to reduce stress and fatigue, while PowerStep premium arch support is designed for plantar fasciitis relief.
- The PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women can be worn in a variety of shoe types such as; athletic, walking, running, work & some casual shoes. Orthotic Inserts are ordered by shoe size, no trimming required.
- Made in the USA & backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PowerStep orthotic inserts for men & women are designed for shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible
The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
- The Original Recovery Footwear.
- Finding Your Size - For your perfect fit, consult the “size chart” link above. Wear a half size? In general, we recommend that women who wear a ½ size size UP, and men who wear a ½ size size DOWN
- OOahh - An evolution of the OOriginal, the OOahh slide features our proven foundation of OOfoam technology + patented footbed design with a slide-style strap that has become a best-seller in the OOFOS line
- OOfoam Technology - Our revolutionary OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foams to reduce the stress on your feet, joints & back. Plus, the closed-cell foam is machine washable and designed to minimize odor
- Patented Footbed - Our patented footbed cradles and supports arches to reduce energy exertion in the ankles by up to 47% compared to competitors’ footwear. So walking is easier. Recovery is faster. And yOO feel better
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
Cortisone injections are most effective when paired with a root-cause fix — orthotic, shoe change, or physical therapy. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we use ultrasound guidance to place every injection exactly in the inflamed space, maximizing relief. And we always discuss the treatment plan that follows, so the pain stays gone.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for a cortisone injection at your office? Most Michigan insurance plans allow self-referral to a podiatrist. Some HMO plans require a PCP referral. We can tell you if your plan requires one when you call to schedule — or just have your PCP send a referral to be safe.
How quickly does a cortisone injection work? Most patients notice improvement within 3–7 days. The full effect typically builds over 1–2 weeks. Duration of relief varies by individual and condition — typically 3–6 months.
Does getting a cortisone injection hurt? We use ultra-thin needles and pre-numb the area with topical anesthetic. Most patients describe a brief pinch and mild pressure. It’s typically much less uncomfortable than patients expect, and the relief that follows makes it completely worthwhile.
Michigan patients experiencing foot or ankle problems can schedule an appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle — with locations in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.
Related Treatment Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
- Bunion Treatment
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentPros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)
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