Frequently Asked Questions
About De Quervain's
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It causes pain and swelling near the base of the thumb, making it difficult to grip, pinch, or turn the wrist. It is most common in women, new mothers, and those who perform repetitive gripping or pinching movements.
Yes. Repetitive scrolling, swiping, and texting — particularly with the thumb — can cause or worsen De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. This has become increasingly common with heavy smartphone use and is now seen regularly in younger patients who have never done manual work or had a baby. If you have pain at the base of your thumb or on the thumb side of your wrist that worsens with phone use, it is worth getting assessed. A free virtual consultation will confirm whether De Quervain’s is the cause of your symptoms.
Yes. Prolonged use of game controllers or handheld gaming devices with repetitive thumb movements can cause De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Gamers who play for extended sessions are at risk in the same way as manual workers or new mothers — the repetitive strain on the thumb tendons is the common factor. If you have pain on the thumb side of your wrist that worsens during or after gaming, book a free virtual consultation with Dr Shaalan to discuss your symptoms.
De Quervain’s can be managed non-surgically in mild or early cases through splinting and activity modification. If symptoms persist or are significantly affecting daily life, surgical release offers a permanent and highly effective solution. Dr Shaalan will advise on the most appropriate treatment at your free virtual consultation. Excel Clinic also offers steroid injections for De Quervain’s — see our joint injections page for more information.
The Procedure
De Quervain’s release is a minor surgical procedure that opens the tight tendon sheath on the thumb side of the wrist, allowing the tendons to move freely without friction or pain. It is performed under local anaesthetic and takes approximately 20–30 minutes, with no overnight stay required.
De Quervain’s release takes approximately 20–30 minutes under local anaesthetic. Your total time at Excel Clinic from arrival to discharge is around 60–90 minutes — no overnight stay is required.
No. De Quervain’s release at Excel Clinic Dublin is performed entirely under local anaesthetic. You remain awake and comfortable throughout, can eat and drink normally beforehand, and go home the same day.
The procedure itself is not painful. Local anaesthetic fully numbs the wrist and thumb before surgery begins. The only discomfort is a brief sting from the local anaesthetic injection — this settles within seconds. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and manageable with standard over-the-counter pain relief.
Access and Waiting Times
HSE waiting times for elective hand and wrist surgery typically range from 18 months to over 2 years in many parts of Ireland. At Excel Clinic Dublin, surgery is available within 2–4 weeks of your free virtual consultation.
No referral is needed. You can self-refer directly to Excel Clinic Dublin and book a free virtual consultation with our clinical team to discuss your symptoms and suitability for surgery.
Yes, where clinically appropriate. Following your free virtual consultation, your in-person appointment with Dr Shaalan combines assessment and surgery in a single visit. A separate consultation appointment is available if preferred or clinically required. Suitability is confirmed at your free virtual consultation.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients recover within 4–6 weeks. Days 1–7: keep dressing dry and rest the wrist and thumb. Weeks 2–3: return to light desk work and daily activities. Weeks 4–6: return to most physical activities. Full grip and pinch strength restored in most patients by 6–8 weeks.
Office and desk-based workers typically need 7–14 days off. Those in physical or manual roles may need 4–6 weeks depending on the demands of the job. Your surgeon will advise on a specific return-to-work plan at your consultation.
You should not drive on the day of surgery. Most patients can resume driving within 10–14 days once the dressing is removed and they can grip the steering wheel safely and comfortably.
Pricing
De Quervain’s release surgery pricing at Excel Clinic Dublin is confirmed after your free virtual consultation. All fees are all-inclusive covering surgery, anaesthetic, aftercare, and follow-up — no hidden costs. A quote is confirmed before your procedure so you know exactly what to expect.
If your assessment and surgery are completed in the same visit the consultation fee is waived — this is the case for most patients following a suitable virtual consultation. If a separate in-person consultation is required or requested prior to surgery, this is charged at €150 and is not deductable from the surgical fee.
Yes. Interest-free finance options are available subject to eligibility. Enquire at the time of booking for details.
Want personalised advice? Book a free virtual consultation and our clinical team will confirm suitability and provide a quote for your De Quervain’s release surgery.