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

Does Insurance Cover Plantar Fasciitis Treatment?

Plantar Fasciitis — Michigan’s Most Common Foot Condition

Plantar fasciitis — inflammation of the thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes — causes the classic stabbing heel pain that’s worst with the first steps in the morning. It’s the most common foot condition we treat at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills. The good news: it responds well to treatment, and most treatment is fully covered by insurance. Call (810) 206-1402.

Covered Plantar Fasciitis Treatments

Diagnostic evaluation and X-rays (covered). Your office visit, clinical examination, and in-office X-rays to rule out heel spurs and stress fractures are covered by all insurers. Cortisone injections (covered). Highly effective for pain relief. Covered by all insurance including Medicare. Typically requires only your specialist copay. Custom orthotics (covered with medical necessity). 3D-scanned custom foot orthotics are covered when medically necessary for plantar fasciitis. Our billing team documents necessity thoroughly to maximize coverage. Night splints (covered). Straussburg sock and traditional night splints maintain the plantar fascia in a stretched position overnight — covered as durable medical equipment. Physical therapy referral (covered). When PT is indicated, we coordinate with therapists and document the referral appropriately. Surgical release (covered with pre-auth). When conservative treatment fails after 6+ months, plantar fascia release surgery is covered with pre-authorization.

EPAT Shockwave Therapy Coverage

EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology) shockwave therapy is our most effective non-surgical treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn’t responded to injections and orthotics — with over 80% success rates. Coverage varies: some Michigan commercial insurers (BCBS, Aetna, United) cover shockwave for chronic plantar fasciitis when medical necessity is documented. Medicare coverage for EPAT is inconsistent. We always verify before starting treatment. For patients whose insurance doesn’t cover shockwave, we offer transparent self-pay pricing — call for current rates.

MLS Laser Therapy Coverage

MLS laser for plantar fasciitis coverage follows similar rules to shockwave — wound-healing indications have better coverage than pain-only indications. We verify your specific plan. FSA/HSA funds can be applied to laser treatments, making it accessible for most patients regardless of insurance coverage.

What You’ll Pay — Typical Patient Experience

For most plantar fasciitis patients with insurance: your first visit (evaluation + X-rays) is your specialist copay. Cortisone injections are your copay. Custom orthotics may require meeting your deductible. Shockwave therapy depends on your plan. We provide a complete cost estimate before starting any treatment so there are never surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does plantar fasciitis take to resolve? With proper treatment, most patients experience significant improvement within 6–12 weeks. Chronic or severe cases may take 4–6 months. EPAT shockwave dramatically accelerates recovery in cases that don’t respond to injections and orthotics alone.

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist for heel pain? Most Michigan PPO plans (including most Medicare Advantage PPOs) allow self-referral to a podiatrist. HMO plans typically require a PCP referral. We can usually see you quickly — call (810) 206-1402 and we’ll sort out the referral question with you.

Will cortisone injections cure my plantar fasciitis? Cortisone provides excellent pain relief but doesn’t address the underlying biomechanical cause. We combine injections with orthotics and stretching to address root causes and minimize recurrence risk.

Professional Podiatric Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle’s Comprehensive Services

At Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan patients receive comprehensive podiatric care across the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Our fellowship-trained podiatrists provide conservative and surgical treatment for all foot and ankle pathology — from plantar fasciitis, bunions, and nail disorders to complex reconstructive surgery, diabetic foot care, and sports injuries. Our clinical approach prioritizes accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment selection, and honest communication with patients about realistic outcomes.

We serve patients in Livingston and Oakland counties from two convenient Michigan locations: our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River (serving Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, Howell, and all of Livingston County) and our Bloomfield Hills office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 (serving Troy, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, and all of Oakland County). Both offices offer in-office X-ray, same-week new patient appointments, and a full range of diagnostic and treatment services. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Michigan insurance plans. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule your appointment.

Michigan patients can access expert heel pain treatment in Michigan at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our board-certified podiatrists serve Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Schedule an appointment online or call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.

Medical References & Sources

• American Podiatric Medical Association — Plantar Fasciitis
• PubMed Research — Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Studies
• American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Heel Pain

Clinical References

1. Thomas JL, et al. The diagnosis and treatment of heel pain: a clinical practice guideline. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2010;49(3 Suppl):S1-S19.
2. DiGiovanni BF, et al. Tissue-specific plantar fascia-stretching exercise enhances outcomes. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003;85(7):1270-1277.
3. Gerdesmeyer L, et al. Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy is safe and effective for chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. Am J Sports Med. 2008;36(11):2100-2109.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

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.