De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Release in Windhoek

About this service

De Quervain's tenosynovitis release is day surgery to release the thickened tendon sheath at the base of the thumb that causes pain with gripping and twisting movements, and it is available in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic. This condition develops when the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist become irritated and swollen, often from repetitive hand movements, and it can make everyday tasks like lifting or twisting painful. Surgery opens the tight tendon sheath to relieve pressure and pain when conservative treatments have not helped.

The procedure is done in our on-site day theatre under local or regional anaesthesia. Your doctor will assess your wrist and discuss whether surgery is right for you.

What to expect

• An examination of the wrist and thumb to confirm the diagnosis
• Local or regional anaesthesia is typically used
• The procedure itself is usually short, often under an hour
• Some swelling and stiffness for a few weeks is normal during recovery
• Your doctor will advise on hand exercises and when to resume normal activities

Who is it for?

You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:

• Pain at the base of the thumb that worsens with gripping or twisting
• Swelling or tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist
• Difficulty with tasks like lifting a baby, jars, or twisting motions
• Pain that has not improved with splinting, rest, or injections
• A diagnosed case of De Quervain's tenosynovitis needing surgery

Frequently asked questions