✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Does Insurance Cover Cortisone Injections for Foot Pain?

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.

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

Medical References & Sources

• American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
• American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions

Clinical References

1. David JA, et al. Injected corticosteroids for treating plantar heel pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;6:CD009348.
2. Grice J, et al. Efficacy of ultrasound-guided cortisone injections in the foot and ankle. Foot Ankle Int. 2016;37(5):550-555.
3. McMillan AM, et al. Ultrasound guided corticosteroid injection for plantar fasciitis: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2012;344:e3260.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

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Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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.