Quick answer: Podiatrist Travel Foot Care Guide affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Book online, or call (810) 206-1402.
Related Conditions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
In This Article
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
FSA & HSA Eligible Foot Care Products 2026
Use your Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account on podiatrist-recommended foot care. Michigan podiatrists explain what qualifies.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can be used on a many foot care products — saving you 20–40% depending on your tax bracket. Many patients don’t realize that custom orthotics, diabetic shoes, wound care supplies, and even certain OTC products qualify. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township frequently help patients maximize their FSA/HSA benefits before year-end.
Our Top Picks
Custom Orthotics (Prescription)
Why we recommend it: 100% FSA/HSA eligible with a podiatrist prescription — the single highest-value foot care item you can purchase with pre-tax dollars. Our offices provide the necessary documentation.
- ✔ 100% FSA/HSA eligible
- ✔ Requires podiatrist prescription
- ✔ Most significant foot pain relief
- ✔ Covered by many insurance plans too
- ✗ Requires office visit for prescription
- ✗ Takes 2–3 weeks to fabricate
Diabetic Shoes & Inserts (Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program)
Why we recommend it: Diabetic patients may qualify for FSA/HSA reimbursement AND Medicare coverage for therapeutic shoes — double savings opportunity
- ✔ FSA/HSA eligible
- ✔ May also qualify for Medicare coverage
- ✔ Requires diabetic diagnosis
- ✔ Significant injury prevention value
- ✗ Requires documentation
- ✗ Must be from approved supplier
Wound Care Supplies
Why we recommend it: Bandages, wound dressings, saline wash, and antibiotic ointments are FSA/HSA eligible — essential for diabetic patients managing foot wounds at home
- ✔ Foam dressings: eligible
- ✔ Saline wound wash: eligible
- ✔ Hydrocolloid bandages: eligible
- ✔ Antibiotic ointment: eligible
- ✗ Standard cosmetic bandages may not qualify
- ✗ Check packaging for FSA eligibility mark
OTC Orthotic Insoles (Since 2020 CARES Act)
Why we recommend it: The 2020 CARES Act made many OTC products FSA eligible without a prescription — including pain-relief insoles. Look for “FSA eligible” labeling.
- ✔ No prescription required (post-2020)
- ✔ Wide range of brands qualify
- ✔ PowerStep Pinnacle, PowerStep Pinnacle, PowerStep brands
- ✔ Check for FSA eligibility icon
- ✗ Must be for medical purpose
- ✗ Comfort-only products may not qualify
Compression Socks (Medical Grade)
Why we recommend it: Medically indicated compression socks (20 mmHg+) for edema, varicose veins, or post-surgical care are FSA/HSA eligible with documentation
- ✔ FSA eligible with medical need
- ✔ Doctor recommendation strengthens claim
- ✔ Wide range of brands
- ✔ Significant retail value
- ✗ Fashion compression socks may not qualify
- ✗ Keep receipt and any recommendation letters
Antifungal Medications (OTC)
Why we recommend it: OTC antifungal treatments for athlete’s foot and toenail fungus became FSA eligible under the CARES Act — keep all receipts
- ✔ OTC antifungal: FSA eligible
- ✔ Clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine qualify
- ✔ No prescription needed
- ✔ Effective for athlete’s foot
- ✗ Cosmetic nail polish not eligible
- ✗ Must be for treatment of a condition
More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
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
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Frequently Asked Questions
What foot care products are FSA/HSA eligible?
Post the 2020 CARES Act, many more OTC foot care products became eligible. Currently FSA/HSA eligible: custom orthotics (with Rx), diabetic shoes (with Rx), wound care supplies, OTC insoles, medical-grade compression socks, antifungal medications, callus treatments, and blister care. Always look for the FSA Eligible icon or check with your FSA/HSA administrator.
Do I need a prescription for FSA/HSA foot care?
For some products, yes — custom orthotics and diabetic shoes require a prescription to be FSA/HSA eligible. For OTC products (insoles, antifungals, wound care), most are eligible without a prescription since the 2020 CARES Act. For borderline items, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your podiatrist can make the item eligible.
Can I use FSA/HSA for a podiatrist visit?
Yes — all podiatrist office visits, diagnostic tests, procedures, and prescription medications are FSA/HSA eligible. This includes bunion surgery, ingrown toenail procedures, cortisone injections, and custom orthotic consultations. Cosmetic procedures (nail polish, non-medical pedicures) are not eligible.
What is a Letter of Medical Necessity for foot care?
A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is a document from your podiatrist stating that a specific product or service is medically required for your condition. LMNs can make borderline items like orthotics, compression socks, and specialized shoes FSA/HSA eligible. Ask our office to provide an LMN at your next visit if you need documentation for a reimbursement claim.
Explore More Podiatrist-Recommended Products
Still Have Foot Pain?
Our board-certified podiatrists can create a plan tailored to your foot type.
📍 Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI | 📞 (810) 206-1402
Blister-Prevention Socks and Products
- Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks — Lifetime Guarantee
- Balega Hidden Comfort — Ultra-Padded Running Socks
- Body Glide Anti-Blister Balm — Friction Prevention
Amazon affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Most new patients are seen the same week.
Planning a Trip? Protect Your Feet While Traveling
Long flights, extended walking, and unfamiliar terrain can trigger foot problems. Schedule a pre-travel foot check to address any concerns before your trip.
Clinical References
- Backer HD. Foot problems in travelers. Travel Medicine. 2019;4th Ed:481-489.
- Philipp R, et al. Deep vein thrombosis and air travel: risk factors and prevention. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2020;59(3):339-346.
- Burns J, et al. Effective foot health management for travelers: a clinical guide. J Travel Med. 2018;25(1):1-8.
Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)
If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
4.5
(28,341+ reviews)
Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.
- Lateral wedge corrects pronation
- Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
- Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
- Trim-to-size required
- 5-7 day break-in for some
This single insole eliminates plantar fasciitis pain in 60% of patients within 2 weeks. The lateral wedge is the active ingredient — it stops the overpronation that causes the fascia to overstretch with every step. Pair with a max-cushion shoe for compound effect.
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
4.4
(4,000+ reviews)
3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
- Carbon-reinforced heel cup
- Dynamic forefoot zone
- Premium German engineering
- Sport-specific support
- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
Choose your arch height from a wet-foot test (low/med/high). Wrong arch = re-injury. For runners, athletes, or anyone who failed standard insoles — this is the closest you can get to custom orthotics without paying $500. The carbon heel is what professional athletes use.
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
4.6
(5,500+ reviews)
Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.
- Menthol-based natural formula
- No greasy residue
- Safe for diabetics
- Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
- Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
- Pricier than Biofreeze
- Strong menthol scent at first
Apply to plantar fascia + calves before bed. Combined with stretching, eliminates morning fascia pain. The clean formula means you can use it daily long-term — Voltaren has 30-day limits, Dr. Hoy’s doesn’t.
Ready for Expert Care?
Same-week appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
