--- title: "Leg, Knee and Foot Pain and TENS: Pad and Safety Facts" description: "Leg, knee and foot pain and TENS: pads go near the pain, numb skin needs care, and Medicare does not name this area. See what to ask your clinician." url: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/pain-areas/lower-extremity-pain publisher: Analgesic Healthcare phone: +1-800-749-1188 contact: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/contact --- ![An older man on a sofa holds his knee](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/_astro/area-lower-extremity-pain.BlT9TrC4_ZrPld9.avif) Pain area # Lower extremity pain and TENS units: legs, knees and feet For leg, knee or foot pain, a TENS unit works where the pads sit. The NHS shows pads above and below a knee. The NHS and University of Iowa say not to use TENS on numb skin, which matters in foot neuropathy. Medicare policy L33802 does not name leg pain. Ask your clinician first. Updated October 26, 20264 min read3 sources **Medicare coverage.** The Medicare TENS policy does not name this area; coverage depends on your plan and your clinician's documentation. As of the LCD revision effective January 1, 2024, it covers TENS for "chronic, intractable pain or acute post-operative pain" when criteria are met. ## How are TENS pads placed for leg, knee or foot pain? Pads go on clean skin near the painful area, and your clinician should show you the exact spots. The NHS says: “Place the sticky pads onto clean skin, near the painful parts of your body. Leave a gap between the pads.” The NHS page also shows a picture of white pads above and below a person’s left knee. The University of Iowa Health Care page adds two tips. It says: “Try to surround the painful area.” It also says to place pads “on fleshy areas of the body, not over boney sites.” Its page includes illustrations for hip and knee placement. Those are examples from one health system, not a plan for you. Question What the sources say Where do pads go? Near the painful area, with a gap between pads (NHS) Around the pain? “Try to surround the painful area.” (University of Iowa) On bone? Place pads on fleshy areas, not over bony sites (University of Iowa) On numb skin? Do not use TENS on numb areas (NHS) See our pad placement guide for more rules. The guide on [TENS for sciatica, knee and foot pain](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/tens-for-sciatica-knee-foot-pain) covers each area. ## Can I use a TENS unit if my feet or legs are numb? Be careful, and ask your clinician first. The NHS says: “Do not use TENS on irritated, broken, infected or numb areas of skin.” The University of Iowa Health Care page lists, among places not to use TENS, “Skin that does not have normal sensation (feeling).” This matters for people with nerve damage in the feet. If you cannot feel the skin well, you may not notice irritation from the pads. Read the glossary entry on [peripheral neuropathy](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/peripheral-neuropathy). Then ask your clinician if and where pads may go. Our [safety guide](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/tens-unit-safety) lists more limits. ## What about sciatica? Pad placement for sciatica depends on the cause, so ask your clinician where your pads should go. Our glossary defines [sciatica](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/sciatica). Your clinician decides what is going on and what plan fits. The NHS says: “If you’re not sure what’s causing your pain, see a healthcare professional before using a TENS machine.” If your clinician orders a trial, ask where the pads may go and which areas are off limits. The University of Iowa page says not to use TENS “directly on your backbone.” Our page on back pain explains the Medicare rule for chronic low back pain. ## What about foot pain? Foot pain has many causes, and your clinician needs to find yours. The glossary entry on [plantar fasciitis](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/plantar-fasciitis) explains a term you may hear. Pad placement for foot pain depends on the cause, so ask your clinician where your pads should go. Our blog has general reading on foot pain: [causes for foot pain and how to fix](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/causes-for-foot-pain-and-how-to-fix), [foot pain after running](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/how-to-relieve-foot-pain-after-running) and what’s causing my morning foot pain. Those posts are general information. Ask your clinician about your own foot pain. ## What does Medicare say about this area? The Medicare TENS policy, local coverage determination (LCD) L33802, does not name leg, knee or foot pain. As of the revision effective January 1, 2024, it says “A TENS is covered for the treatment of beneficiaries with chronic, intractable pain or acute post-operative pain when one of the following coverage criteria, I or II, are met.” It also says “A TENS unit will be denied as not reasonable and necessary for acute pain (less than three months duration) other than for post-operative pain.” For chronic pain, “The pain must have been present for at least three months.” Coverage depends on your plan and your clinician’s documentation. Other plans differ, so check with your plan. Our insurance coverage guide explains the usual steps. ## What can I do alongside a TENS unit? Your clinician may suggest walking, stretching or therapy. The University of Iowa Health Care page says TENS helps most during activities such as walking, doing chores, or exercise. Our post on the benefits of walking offers general reading. Ask your clinician what level of activity is right for your leg, knee or foot. ## Who should not use a TENS unit? The NHS says: “Do not use TENS if: you have epilepsy; you have a pacemaker; you’re pregnant, unless your doctor or midwife tells you to.” The University of Iowa Health Care page also lists a defibrillator and any implanted metallic or electronic device. Follow your clinician’s instructions and your device’s instructions. Read our [TENS unit safety guide](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/tens-unit-safety). ## Next step Talk with your doctor or physical therapist about your leg, knee or foot pain before you try a TENS unit. To ask AHC a question, call (800) 749-1188 or use [Contact](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/contact). You can also read our guide to TENS units. ## Questions people ask ### Where do TENS pads go for knee pain? Your clinician or physical therapist should show you. The NHS page includes a picture of pads placed above and below a knee, and says to place pads near the painful parts of your body with a gap between them. University of Iowa advises placing pads on fleshy areas, not over bony sites. ### Can I use a TENS unit if my feet are numb? Be careful. The NHS says, "Do not use TENS on irritated, broken, infected or numb areas of skin." The University of Iowa Health Care page lists "Skin that does not have normal sensation (feeling)." Ask your clinician before you place pads on a numb foot or leg. ### Does Medicare cover a TENS unit for knee or foot pain? The Medicare TENS policy (LCD L33802) does not name leg, knee or foot pain. It covers TENS for chronic, intractable pain or acute post-operative pain when criteria are met. Coverage depends on your plan and your clinician's documentation. Check with your plan. ### Can I use a TENS unit for sciatica? Pad placement for sciatica depends on the cause. Sciatica has several causes, so see your clinician first. If your clinician orders a trial, ask where the pads may go. Read our guide on TENS for sciatica, knee and foot pain. ## Terms on this page - [Local coverage determination](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/local-coverage-determination) - [Chronic low back pain](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/chronic-low-back-pain) - [Peripheral neuropathy](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/peripheral-neuropathy) - [Post-operative pain](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/post-operative-pain) - [Plantar fasciitis](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/plantar-fasciitis) - [Chronic pain](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/chronic-pain) - [Acute pain](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/acute-pain) - [TENS unit](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/tens-unit) - [Sciatica](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/sciatica) ## Sources 1. [NHS: TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens/) 2. [University of Iowa Health Care: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS)](https://uihc.org/health-topics/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulator-tens) 3. [CMS: LCD Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators (TENS) (L33802)](https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?lcdid=33802) Checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Coverage rules change, so check the linked page or your plan before you act. This page gives general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or physical therapist about your own care, and follow your clinician's and your device's instructions. In an emergency, call 911. ## Keep reading - [Using a TENS unit for sciatica, knee pain and foot pain: what to know firstA TENS unit sends mild electrical pulses through pads on the skin to treat pain. Reviews of TENS for knee osteoarthritis are mixed. The NHS and MedlinePlus pages on sciatica and heel pain do not mention TENS. Ask your clinician about your cause of pain first, then about pad placement and Medicare rules.](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/tens-for-sciatica-knee-foot-pain) - [TENS unit safety: who should not use one, where pads must not go, and when to stopTENS units are not safe for everyone. The NHS says not to use TENS if you have epilepsy, have a pacemaker, or are pregnant unless your doctor or midwife tells you to. University of Iowa Health Care says not to use it with any implanted device. Never use TENS while you sleep, bathe, or drive.](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/tens-unit-safety) - [Causes for Foot Pain And How to Fix?Understand the causes for foot pain and how to fix issues quickly. Explore expert advice to ease pain and maintain strong, healthy feet.](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/causes-for-foot-pain-and-how-to-fix) - [How to Relieve Foot Pain After Running?Discover effective tips on how to relieve foot pain after running to help you recover faster and enjoy pain-free runs every time.](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/how-to-relieve-foot-pain-after-running) - [Back pain and TENS units: what Medicare says and what to askA TENS unit sends mild pulses through pads near the painful area. Medicare can cover one for pain after surgery when its criteria are met, but its policy (L33802) denies TENS for chronic low back pain. Other plans set their own rules. Your clinician decides if a unit fits your back pain and where the pads go.](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/pain-areas/back-pain) - [TENS unit safety checklist: a printable list for pacemakers, pregnancy, skin and pad placementPrint this list and review it with your clinician before your first TENS session. The NHS says not to use TENS with epilepsy or a pacemaker, or in pregnancy unless your doctor or midwife says so. Do not place pads on broken skin, the head, face or throat. Do not use TENS while you sleep, bathe or drive.](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/tens-safety-checklist) ## Questions about your unit or a bill? Call toll free. For customer care, ask for extension 508. [Call (800) 749-1188](tel:+1-800-749-1188)[Pay invoice](https://ahcpatientservices.com/)