Euflexxa® Joint Injection Therapy
If you are living with foot or ankle arthritis and want to avoid surgery or reduce your reliance on cortisone shots, Euflexxa® may be the right next step. At Cella Foot & Ankle Specialty, Dr. Cella uses this FDA-approved hyaluronic acid injection to replenish the natural cushioning lost to osteoarthritis, easing pain and restoring more comfortable movement for patients throughout Fair Lawn, NJ . It is a precise, in-office treatment that offers longer-lasting relief without the risks associated with repeated steroid use.
What Is Euflexxa®?
Euflexxa® is an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid (HA) injection used to treat pain caused by osteoarthritis. While it has long been used in the knee, Euflexxa® is also highly effective when injected into the joints of the foot and ankle, including the ankle joint (tibiotalar joint), the subtalar joint, and midfoot joints such as the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints. This makes it a versatile option for the many forms of arthritis that can affect the lower extremity.
How Does Euflexxa® Work?
Healthy joints are cushioned by synovial fluid, which contains hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that lubricates and absorbs shock. In arthritic joints, this fluid breaks down and loses its cushioning properties, allowing bone to rub against bone and causing pain and restricted motion. Euflexxa® replenishes that lost cushioning with a highly purified, non-animal-derived hyaluronic acid. This process, called viscosupplementation, reduces friction, decreases inflammation, and helps restore more comfortable movement in the joint.
What Conditions Can Euflexxa® Treat in the Foot & Ankle?
Dr. Cella may recommend Euflexxa® injections for:
- Ankle osteoarthritis (tibiotalar joint arthritis)
- Subtalar arthritis (pain under the ankle bone, often from old sprains or fractures)
- Midfoot arthritis (Lisfranc arthritis, talonavicular arthritis)
- Forefoot arthritis (big toe joint arthritis)
- Post-traumatic arthritis following ankle fracture or ligament injury
- Chronic ankle pain that has not responded to physical therapy or anti-inflammatories
Many of these arthritic conditions are also discussed on our ankle pain and sports injury page, and Dr. Cella will determine whether viscosupplementation is right for your joint.
What to Expect: The Euflexxa® Treatment Protocol
Euflexxa® is given as a series of three weekly injections directly into the affected joint. At Cella Foot & Ankle Specialty, injections are performed with precision in our office, with no operating room required. Most patients experience gradual pain relief beginning two to four weeks after the first injection, peak benefit around weeks five through thirteen, long-lasting results that can extend six months or more, and minimal downtime, with most patients returning to normal activity the same day.
Why Choose Dr. Cella for Euflexxa® Injections?
Dr. Antonella Cella, DPM, FACFAS is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with specialized training in both surgical and non-surgical treatment of foot and ankle arthritis. As a solo practitioner in Fair Lawn, NJ , she provides personalized, unhurried care focused entirely on your outcomes. We offer a full spectrum of conservative and advanced treatments, so if Euflexxa® is not the right fit, we will tell you and help you explore what is, including amniotic tissue injection therapy, Leneva® fat pad restoration, and our full menu of advanced injectable and biologic treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Euflexxa® the same as a cortisone shot?
No. Cortisone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation short-term. Euflexxa® is a lubricating agent that works differently and is generally better suited for ongoing, longer-lasting relief, without the risks of repeated steroid use.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients complete one series of three injections. Some patients benefit from a repeat series after six to twelve months, depending on their response and the severity of the arthritis.
Does the injection hurt?
Discomfort is minimal. Dr. Cella uses precise technique to make the injection as comfortable as possible, and most patients tolerate the series very well.
Can Euflexxa® be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Euflexxa® works well alongside physical therapy, custom orthotics, bracing, and regenerative options such as Leneva® and amniotic tissue injections for a comprehensive approach to arthritis.
How soon will I feel relief?
Most patients begin to notice relief two to four weeks after the first injection, with peak benefit developing over the following weeks. Results can last six months or longer for many patients.
Who is a good candidate for Euflexxa®?
Euflexxa® is often ideal for patients with foot or ankle osteoarthritis who want to avoid surgery or reduce reliance on steroid injections and anti-inflammatories. A consultation with Dr. Cella will confirm whether it is right for you.
Is Euflexxa® covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan and by the joint being treated. Our staff can verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs before you begin the treatment series.