DEGENERATIVE HAND DISEASE OVERVIEW
When we are in good health it is normal to take the proper functioning of our hands and upper extremities for granted; however, when illness or injury impairs the functioning of our hands, the repercussions can be quite serious. Simple tasks, such as eating, writing, driving, and earning a living become extremely difficult when our hands are injured or we are suffering from a degenerative hand disease.
A degenerative disease is defined as a disease in which the structure or function of the affected organs or tissues progressively deteriorate over time, as a result of lifestyle choices (i.e. exercise), medical conditions, or normal bodily wear. These diseases are characterized by restricted mobility and chronic pain, and are often caused by: previous injury, aging, congenital (hereditary) defects, and/or inflammation. The type and severity of the degenerative hand disease will determine the best course of treatment, which may range from invasive surgical intervention to resting and letting the injured area heal on its own. Although arthritis is the most common degenerative disease associated with the hands and upper extremities, tendonitis/tendon damage, and nerve damage (i.e. carpal tunnel syndrome) also fall under this category.
Because the anatomic components of the hand are complex and closely interconnected, a degenerative disease that impacts a single bone, joint, ligament, or tissue may have a damaging impact on the overall functionality and health of the entire hand. With his private practice (Y Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) located in Atlanta, Georgia, triple board certified surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif specializes in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive hand surgery, and has published numerous medical journal articles on the latest surgical and non-surgical treatments for degenerative diseases of the hand and upper extremities. After conducting a thorough medical examination and evaluating your physical symptoms, Dr. Yalif will create a customized treatment plan that is designed to promptly ease your discomfort and restore your hands to optimal functioning.
At Y Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Yalif and his staff offer a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options for degenerative diseases of the hand, wrist, and upper extremities, including:
- ARTHRITIS
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Kienböcks Disease
- TENDONITIS (TENDINITIS)/ TENDON DAMAGE
- Tendonitis
- de Quervain Syndrome
- Mallet Finger
- Trigger Finger
- MCP/PIP Joints
- NERVE DAMAGE
- Nerve Damage in the Hand/Wrist
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Dupuytren’s Disease
Dr. Yalif’s extensive training and experience in plastic surgery, orthopedics, and hand surgery has equipped him with an in-depth knowledge of the complex interconnections between the bones and soft tissues of the hand and arm—a skillset that is rare even among experienced physicians. He is the only surgeon in the Atlanta area who possesses this distinctive blend of specialized expertise, which enables him to accurately diagnose and successfully treat a wide variety of degenerative hand diseases, mitigating the risk of long-term damage and decreasing the potential for losing normal hand functioning.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Yalif will conduct an extensive medical evaluation in order to properly diagnose your specific injury and/or hand-related degenerative disease. He will discuss all of your potential treatment options and patiently answer any questions you may have. He works collaboratively with each patient to design custom-tailored treatment plans geared toward facilitating optimal healing of any degenerative hand diseases, easing your discomfort, and restoring a normal range of motion to your hands and upper extremities.
CONTACT Y PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Dr. Asaf Yalif, lead surgeon at Y Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, is uniquely qualified to provide advanced, cutting-edge surgical treatment options for degenerative or traumatic hand and upper extremity issues. The only surgeon in the Atlanta area specializing in the rare combination of hand and plastic surgery, Dr. Yalif is triple Board Certified in Plastic Surgery, Hand Surgery, and Orthopedic Surgery. His unique perspective on soft tissue, joint, and bone-related conditions of the hand, fingers, wrist, and elbow enables him to offer a variety of medical and surgical options unavailable at traditional orthopedic practices. Y Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a friendly, welcoming boutique medical practice where cutting-edge surgical techniques are coupled with an emphasis on the patient experience; whether you are dealing with a traumatic injury or a long-standing degenerative disease, Dr. Yalif will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to ensure that your hands can work as hard as you do!
Y Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has offices conveniently located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia. If you are suffering from a degenerative hand disease (i.e. arthritis, tendonitis/tendon damage, or nerve damage), we encourage you to contact Y Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery today to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
