Consultant-led · Local anaesthetic · Walk in, walk out
De Quervain’s surgery in Cardiff
Lasting relief from thumb-side wrist pain. De Quervain’s release under local anaesthetic with Mr Shreekant Gupta, consultant orthopaedic surgeon with over 30 years’ experience in upper limb and hand surgery. Fixed, all-inclusive price of £1,495.
Rated excellent on Google
By our patients
HIW registered
Healthcare Inspectorate Wales
Senior, named clinicians
GMC and NMC registered
Award-winning clinic
Best Private Medical Clinic, Wales
At a glance
Surgery fee
£1,495 all-inclusive
Procedure time
20 to 30 minutes
Anaesthetic
Local, so you stay awake
Back to desk work
Usually 1–2 weeks
First step
Free video consultation
De Quervain’s release in Cardiff
De Quervain’s release is a short operation to treat De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a painful condition of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. The surgeon opens the tight tunnel that the tendons run through, so they can glide freely again.
It is usually recommended when pain keeps coming back despite a splint, rest and a steroid injection. At Excel Clinic the procedure is done under local anaesthetic by Mr Shreekant Gupta, consultant orthopaedic surgeon. You stay awake, there is no overnight stay and no GP referral is needed.
Medically reviewed by Mr Shreekant Gupta, MBBS, MS (T&O), FRCS (Tr & Orth), consultant orthopaedic surgeon (GMC 4364762). Last updated November 2026.
What is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?
Two tendons that move the thumb, abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis, run through a narrow tunnel on the thumb side of the wrist called the first dorsal compartment. In De Quervain’s tenosynovitis the lining of this tunnel becomes inflamed and thickened. It squeezes the tendons, so moving the thumb and wrist becomes painful.
It is sometimes called “mummy thumb” or “texting thumb” because it is common in new parents and in people who use their thumbs repetitively. A simple test called Finkelstein’s test usually reproduces the pain: you tuck your thumb into your palm, close your fingers over it and bend your wrist towards your little finger.
Common causes
- Repetitive gripping, pinching or wrist twisting
- Lifting a baby with the thumbs outstretched
- Pregnancy and the months after birth
- Heavy phone, tablet or games controller use
- Racquet sports, golf, gardening and manual work
- Rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis
- A direct injury to the wrist
- Most common in women aged 30 to 50
Symptoms
- Pain and swelling at the base of the thumb and on the thumb side of the wrist
- Pain when gripping, pinching or turning a key
- Difficulty lifting a kettle, opening jars or carrying bags
- A catching or snapping feeling when moving the thumb
- Tenderness over the tendons, and a painful Finkelstein’s test
Treatment options
Treatment usually starts simple. Surgery is offered when the pain keeps coming back.
Splint and rest
A thumb splint and avoiding the movements that cause pain can settle mild or early cases.
Steroid injection
An injection into the tendon sheath often gives good relief and is usually tried before surgery.
De Quervain’s release
A permanent solution when symptoms persist or return after injection, or when pain is limiting daily life.
Your surgeon
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon · Upper Limb & Hand
Mr Shreekant Gupta
MBBS, MS (T&O), FRCS (Tr & Orth) · GMC 4364762
Mr Gupta is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon with over 30 years’ experience, specialising in upper limb and hand surgery. He is a current NHS consultant within Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
He treats De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger under local anaesthetic, taking care to protect the small sensory nerve branches that run close to the thumb tendons. Patients value his calm, reassuring approach and clear explanations of their options.
What our patients say
What happens during surgery
- Local anaesthetic is injected around the thumb side of the wrist. You stay awake, and you can eat and drink beforehand.
- A small incision is made over the first dorsal compartment.
- The tight roof of the compartment is opened to free both tendons, while protecting the nearby sensory nerve branches.
- The wound is closed with fine stitches, and a dressing and light bandage are applied.
The operation takes around 20 to 30 minutes and you are usually home within 60 to 90 minutes of arriving. You cannot drive yourself home, so please arrange a lift.
Your De Quervain’s journey, step by step
Send your booking form
Free video consultation
Consultation with Mr Gupta
Your procedure
Recovery and aftercare
Follow-up
Tap each step for more detail.
1. Send your booking form
Complete the short form at the bottom of this page and tell us about your symptoms and any treatment you have already had.
2. Free video consultation
A free 15-minute video call to talk through your symptoms and whether surgery is the right next step.
3. Consultation with Mr Gupta
If needed, an in-person consultation with Mr Gupta (£200) to examine your wrist and confirm the diagnosis. Have your consultation and surgery on the same day (a one-stop appointment) and the consultation is included in the package.
4. Your procedure
Walk in, walk out. The release is done under local anaesthetic in our theatre at Cardiff Gate.
5. Recovery and aftercare
You go home with clear written aftercare instructions and WhatsApp access to our team if you have any questions.
6. Follow-up
A follow-up review is included to check your wound and your recovery.
Recovery timeline
After De Quervain’s release
Office workers typically take 1 to 2 weeks off work. Manual workers may need 4 to 6 weeks. We will give you advice for your job.
Results and risks
What to expect
Most people find the pain on thumb and wrist movement eases once the tendons are freed. Some tenderness around the scar is normal for a few weeks.
Possible risks
Possible risks include infection, a tender scar, temporary numbness on the back of the thumb from irritation of a small sensory nerve and, rarely, the tendons slipping out of position or symptoms persisting. Mr Gupta will go through these with you.
Long-term outlook
Releasing the compartment is intended to be a permanent solution, and it is uncommon for symptoms to come back after surgery.
Excel Clinic compared with NHS treatment
| Excel Clinic | NHS treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting time | Usually 2–4 weeks | Often many months |
| GP referral | Not needed | Required |
| Surgeon | Consultant orthopaedic surgeon | Varies |
| Anaesthetic | Local, walk in and walk out | Usually local |
| Aftercare | WhatsApp access to our team | Standard follow-up |
| Cost | £1,495, fixed price | Free |
Tip: scroll sideways to see the full table on a phone.
De Quervain’s surgery cost in Cardiff
| Treatment | Fee |
|---|---|
| Video consultation Free 15-minute video consultation | Free |
| In-person consultation with Mr Gupta Included in the package with a one-stop appointment | £200 |
| De Quervain’s release Includes anaesthetic, surgery, aftercare and follow-up | £1,495 |
| Follow-up review | Included |
The price is fixed, with no hidden costs. You can spread the cost with Humm finance, subject to status. Have your consultation and surgery on the same day (a one-stop appointment) and the consultation is included in the package.
Why choose Excel Clinic?
Consultant-led care
Treated by Mr Shreekant Gupta, consultant orthopaedic surgeon with over 30 years’ experience.
Fixed, transparent price
One all-inclusive fee covering surgery, anaesthetic, aftercare and follow-up.
Walk in, walk out
Local anaesthetic, no overnight stay and parking on site, just off Junction 30 of the M4.
Aftercare you can reach
WhatsApp access to our team after your procedure.
Frequently asked questions
How much does De Quervain’s surgery cost in Cardiff?
De Quervain’s release at Excel Clinic costs £1,495. It is a fixed, all-inclusive price covering the anaesthetic, surgery, aftercare and follow-up. The first video consultation is free, and with a one-stop appointment the in-person consultation is included too.
What is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?
It is a painful condition of the two tendons that move the thumb, where they pass through a tight tunnel on the thumb side of the wrist. It is most common in women aged 30 to 50, new parents and people who grip or pinch repetitively.
Can De Quervain’s be treated without surgery?
Mild or early cases often settle with a splint, rest and avoiding the movements that cause pain. A steroid injection into the tendon sheath is usually tried next. Surgery is recommended if symptoms continue or keep coming back.
Can phone use or gaming cause De Quervain’s?
Repetitive thumb movements from texting, scrolling or gaming can trigger or worsen it, especially alongside other risk factors.
Is De Quervain’s surgery painful?
The local anaesthetic stings briefly, then the wrist goes numb and you should feel no pain during the operation. Afterwards most people need only simple painkillers for a few days.
How long does the operation take?
The operation takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and you are usually at the clinic for 60 to 90 minutes in total.
How long will I need off work?
Office workers typically take 1 to 2 weeks off. Manual workers may need 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the job.
When can I drive after De Quervain’s surgery?
Not on the day of surgery, so please arrange a lift. Most people drive again within 10 to 14 days, once the dressing is off and their grip is comfortable.
Can I have my consultation and surgery on the same day?
Yes, where it is clinically appropriate. With a one-stop appointment your surgeon assesses you and carries out the procedure in the same visit, and the consultation fee is included in the package. If you would rather have a separate consultation first, it costs £200.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can refer yourself. Complete the booking form and we will arrange your free video consultation.
Is De Quervain’s the same as trigger finger?
They are related. Both happen when a tendon catches in a tight tunnel. Trigger finger affects a finger or thumb at the base of the digit in the palm, while De Quervain’s affects the thumb tendons at the wrist.
Still have a question? Send us a message or call 02922 645305.
Book your De Quervain’s consultation
Free video consultation, a fixed all-inclusive price and treatment by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon.
Book your free video consultation
Tell us about your symptoms and any treatment you have already had, and our team will be in touch to arrange your video consultation.
Find us
Excel Clinic
3 Oaktree Court, Mulberry Drive
Cardiff Gate Business Park
Cardiff CF23 8RS
Just off Junction 30 of the M4, with designated patient parking. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.